First Bus has awarded a contract to convert 12 existing electric Optare Versa buses from first generation electric vehicle technology to Equipmake’s new Zero Emission Drivetrain
First Bus is partnering with Equipmake to repower 12 of its first-generation electric buses in York. First, which has pledged to operate a fully zero-emission fleet by 2035, has awarded Norfolk-based Equipmake a contract to convert the electric Optare Versas using its electric drivetrain at the company’s facility in Snetterton.
Equipmake expects each converted bus to have a range of 150 miles in all UK weather conditions, thanks to a larger battery and a patented HVAC system, extending the life of existing zero-emissions buses. Work is already underway on the first Versa conversion, and following the successful trial, the remaining 11 buses will be repowered over the coming months, with delivery of the first vehicle scheduled for November.
Garry Birmingham, Director for Decarbonisation at First Bus, said: “First Bus has repeatedly demonstrated its ambition to provide zero-emission transport in the local communities that we operate in.
“The retrofitting of our older electric buses is another 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 really clever and cost-effective technology, which underlines our commitment to offer sustainable transport solutions. Nationally, First Bus is committed to delivering our zero-emission fleet goal, and First York’s partnership with Equipmake is a great example of how we can achieve this ambition.”
Ian Foley, CEO of Equipmake, said: “Repowered buses represent a fantastic opportunity for operators to help accelerate the much-needed transition to sustainable mobility. Together with our new electric bus, the Jewel E, this technology can facilitate a significant reduction in air pollution across the country.
“We are delighted that First Bus has chosen to implement our pioneering technology in 12 of the buses in its York park & ride fleet. This is great news for passengers and for the people of York, who can look forward to cleaner air in their city. This agreement reflects the strong demand we are seeing for our products, which has, in turn, driven plans to expand our facility, creating 180 jobs and bringing the total number of staff employed at Equipmake to 255.”
First Bus played a key role in helping to establish the York park & ride scheme, acknowledged as being one of the most extensive in the UK and offering journeys into the historic city centre from six different locations, with buses carrying around 50,000 people per day. It is believed to be the biggest zero-emission park & ride operation in the country.
Equipmake’s repowers are tailored to specific requirements provided by the operator, with service routes simulated to ensure the optimum battery power level is selected to secure driving ranges of 150 to 250 miles, which it says is more than sufficient for a complete duty cycle. Both single-deckers, such as the Versa, and double-deckers, can be repurposed to incorporate Equipmake’s unique, scalable, modular Zero Emission Drivetrain.
Equipmake’s repower programme has both environmental and cost benefits, with each conversion reported to cost less than half the price of a new electric bus. With most buses in service for 14 years or more, the company says that operators can make significant savings by repowering a bus halfway through its usable life.
