British electrification specialist, Equipmake has unveiled an electric bus developed in Norfolk that will head to Buenos Aires after finishing its final testing in the UK.
The single-decker named Agrale MT17.0LE was developed in partnership with Brazilian bus manufacturer Agrale and Argentinian coachbuilder Todo Bus. Following the final testing in Norfolk, the new bus will begin in-service trials on the streets of the Argentine capital in the second half of 2022.
Developed as part of the Advanced Propulsion Centre-funded CELEB (Cost Effective Low Entry Bus) project – in which Equipmake has led multiple international partners over the last three years – the objective of the program has been to deliver a cost-effective bus designed for the South American market.
The Agrale MT17.0LE features a 318kWh lithium-ion battery, Equipmake’s own HTM 3500 electric motor (producing 3,500Nm torque at 1,000rpm) and a Semikron SKAI inverter.
The company estimates a range of up to 150 miles, which it says is more than enough for a day’s use in Buenos Aires.
“We are now looking forward to the start of the trial and the potential for this new vehicle is huge,” said Ian Foley, managing director of Equipmake.
“Buenos Aires has around 16,000 buses on its streets – roughly twice the size of London’s fleet. There’s no doubt that electric buses can play a significant role in helping Argentina’s capital hit its 2050 net zero objective.”
The 12-meter single-decker can carry 70 passengers and will be operated by DOTA for 12 months in Buenos Aires.