On April 3, 2024, Equipmake, a leading engineering firm from the UK recognized for its innovative electrification solutions in multiple sectors, announced a significant leap towards sustainable urban transport. In a collaboration with First York, the company has successfully deployed a fleet of 12 electric buses in York, marking a milestone in the city’s public transport evolution.
These buses, originally Optare Versa single-deck models, have been transformed using Equipmake’s advanced Zero-Emission Drivetrain (ZED) technology. Each bus now boasts a 274kWh battery, offering an impressive 150-mile range on a single charge under varied UK weather conditions, ensuring reliability and efficiency.
This fleet introduction follows a successful trial of a prototype electric bus, allowing First York and Equipmake to fine-tune performance and reliability. These 12 electric buses are now a testament to the city’s commitment to improving air quality and transitioning to a greener, fully electric public transport system.
Stuart Eyre, Engineering Manager at First York, expressed enthusiasm over the fleet’s deployment, highlighting its role in advancing towards York’s goal of a zero-emission public transport future. Equipmake’s technology not only contributes to cleaner air but also aligns with First Bus’s national ambition of a fully electric fleet by 2035.
Ian Foley, CEO of Equipmake, shared his excitement about the project’s success, emphasizing the significant environmental benefits and cost savings associated with converting existing buses to electric. Equipmake’s approach allows for customized repowering to match specific operational needs, ensuring optimal performance and extended daily operational hours.
Equipmake’s ZED technology, notable for its modular design and in-house developed components, incorporates an efficient thermal management system. This system maintains optimal temperatures for the battery, motor, and inverter, maximizing range and ensuring the vehicle’s longevity. Additionally, the innovative cooling circuit also heats the bus interior using recycled thermal energy, enhancing passenger comfort.
The decision to repower existing buses with Equipmake’s technology offers a sustainable and economically advantageous solution for bus operators. Not only does this approach significantly reduce costs compared to acquiring new electric buses, but it also extends the operational life of existing fleets, contributing to environmental conservation efforts.
York’s new electric buses represent a forward-thinking step towards cleaner, more sustainable urban mobility, showcasing the potential of innovative electrification technologies in transforming public transport for the better.
