London’s largest bus operator Go-Ahead has partnered with Equipmake, the leading commercial vehicle electrification specialist, and Spanish coachbuilder Beulas, to begin in-service trials of the new Jewel E all-electric double-decker bus in London next year.
Set to take to the capital’s streets in Q1 2022, the Jewel E is one of the first EV buses to meet Transport for London’s (TfL) 2024 bus safety standard requirements, and comes with enhanced safety features to give drivers, passengers, and the public peace of mind.
The bus has three sizes of battery – 325kWh, 434kWh and 543kWh – with the latter being the most powerful battery solution of any two-axle electric double-decker bus in the world. This delivers a maximum 300-mile range, which is more than enough for a day or night’s duty cycle. Its modular design is also fully scalable to ensure it can meet different customer requirements and bus sizes in the future.
It will be manufactured next year in a new facility in Norfolk. The initiative will bring new jobs to the area and will play a key role in helping the government achieve its target of introducing at least 4,000 more British-built zero emission buses onto our roads by 2024.
The Jewel E has been developed to deliver not only clean, but cost-effective urban transportation. Its Zero Emission Drivetrain (ZED) has been designed by Equipmake to have a highly efficient heating and cooling system to maximise efficiency.
Equipmake also collaborated with a number of suppliers to ensure the E had the most advanced technologies. Sure24, Forman, 21st Century and McKenna supplied systems including cameras, intercoms, induction loops and destination displays.
Ian Foley, managing director of Equipmake, said: “Our Jewel E double decker bus integrates the latest electric powertrain technologies to result in a highly efficient and cost-effective, purpose-built commercial vehicle.”
Mr Foley added: “I am delighted to announce our partnership with Go-Ahead. In-service trials with London’s largest bus operator will allow us to continue the vehicle's development during real-world usage cycles on public roads, a vital next step in perfecting the double decker electric bus before it enters full service.”