First York, a prominent bus operator within the UK, has recently made a significant stride in sustainable urban transport by integrating a fleet of 12 electric buses into its services, a project started in October 2022. This move is part of a broader initiative to embrace environmentally friendly solutions and marks a notable advancement in the city's public transportation offerings.
These buses, originally Optare Versa single-deck models, have undergone a comprehensive upgrade, featuring Equipmake's cutting-edge Zero Emission Drivetrain (ZED) technology. With a robust 274kWh battery capacity, these vehicles boast an impressive range of 150 miles, ensuring they can cover extensive urban routes across York without the need for mid-day recharging, irrespective of the UK's varied weather conditions.
This fleet's deployment follows a successful passenger-carrying trial that allowed First York and Equipmake to fine-tune the buses' performance. The positive outcome of this trial has led to the buses' full operational status, significantly enhancing York’s efforts to improve urban air quality and reduce the city's carbon footprint.
Stuart Eyre, Engineering Manager at First York, expressed enthusiasm about the electrified fleet's potential to transform the city's public transport landscape. Eyre highlighted the role of Equipmake's advanced repower technology in First York's journey towards a fully electric fleet, aligning with First Bus's national ambition to achieve zero emissions by 2035.
Equipmake's CEO, Ian Foley, shared the sentiment, underscoring the importance of this fleet in providing a sustainable transport solution for York's residents and visitors. The implementation of Equipmake's electric drivetrain in these buses is a leap forward in promoting cleaner air and a healthier environment. The technology not only delivers on environmental promises but also presents a cost-effective route for operators to meet zero-emission targets, offering significant savings compared to purchasing new electric buses.
Equipmake's approach to bus repowering is highly tailored, with simulations of service routes to determine the optimal battery power level, ensuring a range of 150 to 250 miles. This meticulous planning guarantees that the buses can sustain a full day's duty cycle with overnight charging, thereby maximising operational efficiency and reducing downtime.
The heart of these buses, the ZED, is a testament to Equipmake's innovation, featuring a modular and scalable design suitable for both single and double-decker buses. It integrates Equipmake's proprietary electric motor, inverter, and thermal management system, the latter ensuring optimal temperature control for the battery pack, motor, and inverter. This system not only enhances the vehicle's range but also contributes to cabin heating through the reuse of thermal energy.
Equipmake's expertise extends beyond buses, with over two decades of experience in developing high-performance electric powertrains for a variety of sectors, including aerospace and high-performance automotive. The company's capabilities range from initial design and simulation to prototyping, testing, and production, catering to a wide array of electrification needs.
First Bus, the parent company of First York, is steadfast in its commitment to a zero-emission future, aiming for a 15% composition of Zero Emission Buses in its fleet by March 2024. This commitment extends beyond transportation, as First Bus seeks to aid local businesses in their decarbonisation efforts by offering access to its charging infrastructure. Through these initiatives, First Bus is not only enhancing the quality of public transport but is also actively contributing to the communities it serves, reinforcing its dedication to sustainability and environmental stewardship.