First Bus has partnered with electric powertrain developer and integrator Equipmake to re-power 12 of the British transport operator’s first-generation electric buses in York.
Equipmake was awarded a contract by First Bus, which has pledged to operate a full zero-emission fleet by 2035, to convert the dozen Optare Versa Park & Ride buses using the company’s scalable, modular Zero Emission Drivetrain at its base in Snetterton, Norfolk.
Featuring a large battery and HVAC system designed to extend the life of existing zero-emissions public transport, each converted First York bus is expected to have a range of 150 miles in all weather conditions.
According to Equipmake, each conversion reportedly costs less than half the cost of a new electric bus and most buses remain in service for 14 years or longer.
What’s more, conversions are tailored to individual operator requirements, with service routes simulated to ensure an optimal battery power level is selected, resulting in driving ranges of 150 to 250 miles.
This range is said to be sufficient for a complete duty cycle, allowing buses to be recharged faster, overnight and operate for longer during the day.
Work is currently underway on the first Versa conversion and, following a successful trial, some 11 more buses will be converted over the coming months, with delivery of the first vehicle scheduled for November this year.
Garry Birmingham, director for decarbonisation at First Bus, said: “The retrofitting of our older electric buses is a great example of how we can maximise the lifespan of a bus, beyond 15 years, and in addition, significantly reduce the embodied carbon associated with manufacturing new vehicles.
“This is an extension of our Zero Emission Mission 2035 target, in support of our wider commitment to setting ambitious science-based targets to achieve Net Zero Emissions.
“These 12 repowered buses use a clever and cost-effective technology, which underlines our commitment to offer sustainable transport solutions.”
For Equipmake, the agreement with First Bus will see an expansion of the company’s Norfolk facility and create 180 jobs, bringing the total number of staff employed at Equipmake to 255.
The York scheme is reportedly one of the biggest zero-emission Park & Ride operations in the UK, providing transportation into the city centre from six parking locations, with buses carrying around 50,000 people daily.
