London tour buses to undergo Equipmake EV retrofit

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【Summary】London's Big Bus Tours has partnered with UK electrification specialist Equipmake to convert its 10-strong fleet of open-top tour buses from diesel to fully electric. The retrofit will involve fitting the Ankai buses with 327kWh batteries, providing a range of 120 miles. By choosing to retrofit rather than purchase new electric buses, Big Bus Tours will save 90 tonnes of CO2 per converted vehicle and benefit from significant cost savings.

FutureCar Staff Oct 01, 2023 6:26 AM PT

London tour buses to undergo Equipmake EV retrofit

Equipmake, a UK electrification specialist, has announced a partnership with London's Big Bus Tours to convert a fleet of 10 open-top tour buses from diesel to fully electric. The Ankai buses will be equipped with 327kWh batteries, offering a range of 120 miles, which is sufficient for the buses' daily sightseeing routes in the capital. The first converted vehicle is set to enter service in the first quarter of 2024.

Equipmake CEO, Ian Foley, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, stating, "We are delighted to be partnering with Big Bus Tours as it continues to make its fleet more sustainable. It's fantastic to work with companies that share a forward-thinking mindset and recognize the immense advantages of repowering."

By choosing to retrofit the buses rather than purchasing new electric vehicles, Big Bus Tours will reportedly save 90 tonnes of embedded CO2 per converted vehicle, according to Equipmake. The company also claims that each conversion costs less than half of a new electric bus, making it a cost-effective solution. Additionally, operators can achieve substantial savings by converting internal combustion engine vehicles once they reach around halfway through their scheduled service life.

Gerry Price, executive vice president at Big Bus Tours, emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating, "Our partnership with Equipmake will significantly support us as we transition our fleet to zero emissions. The technology it has developed and its shared commitment to sustainability makes this a hugely exciting opportunity for us. Through innovations like this, we will be playing our part in improving the capital's air quality and providing tourists with an even more enjoyable experience."

Equipmake's Zero Emission Drivetrain (ZED), which will be used on the tour buses, has already been implemented on London's iconic Routemasters. The electrified Routemaster, introduced for trials in November 2022, features a 400kWh battery and provides an in-service range of 150 miles.