Golden Tours, a leading London sightseeing and UK tour operator, has placed a significant follow-up order with Equipmake, a specialist in electric vehicle drivetrain systems. This deal will see ten more Volvo B5 London tour buses converted to zero-emission electric vehicles using Equipmake’s innovative Zero-Emission Drivetrain (ZED) technology.
This follows an initial £2 million order placed in February, highlighting Golden Tours’ commitment to sustainability and Equipmake’s growing reputation in the electric bus repower market. The success of the initial project and the operational benefits of electrification have clearly convinced Golden Tours to expand their electric fleet.
Golden Tours: Putting Sustainability at the Forefront
Established in 1984, Golden Tours boasts a rich history of showcasing London’s iconic landmarks and offering day trips to popular UK destinations like Stonehenge and Bath. Their dedication to sustainability aligns with Equipmake’s mission, creating a win-win partnership for both companies.
Mikesh Palan, Managing Director at Golden Tours, emphasized the importance of this collaboration: “By extending our relationship with Equipmake, Golden Tours is ensuring its operations are as sustainable as possible. We look forward to bringing these electric buses into service and continuing to put sustainability at the forefront of our business strategy.”
Equipmake’s ZED: A Gamechanger for Electric Bus Conversions
The ZED system at the heart of this deal is a testament to Equipmake’s engineering expertise. This modular and scalable repower solution is designed for both single and double-decker buses, making it a versatile option for fleet electrification.
The ZED system incorporates Equipmake’s own electric motor, inverter, and power electronics, all working in harmony with cutting-edge lithium-ion batteries. One of the ZED’s key features is its patented thermal management system. This innovative technology ensures optimal operating temperatures for the battery pack, motor, and inverter, maximizing the electric bus’s range.
The system’s efficiency extends further with an advanced water-glycol cooling circuit. This clever design not only regulates temperature but also provides interior heating during colder weather by utilizing captured thermal energy. Once the battery reaches depletion after a full service cycle, it can be conveniently recharged at the depot using a CCS DC charging point.
Financial and Environmental Benefits of Repowering
Equipmake’s ZED technology offers significant advantages beyond just clean operation. Repurposing existing chassis and bodies instead of building entirely new electric buses translates to a remarkable 90 tonnes of CO2 saved per conversion. This highlights the substantial environmental impact of this repower project.
But the benefits extend beyond just the environment. Each ZED conversion costs less than half the price of a brand-new electric bus. Considering that most buses typically operate for over 14 years, operators like Golden Tours can achieve significant cost savings by repowering their existing fleet at the halfway mark of their operational life cycle.
Ian Foley, CEO of Equipmake, commented on the deal’s significance: “This new contract is testament to the quality and reliability of our products and reflects an increasing move in the sector towards sustainable operational alternatives. We are delighted that we can support Golden Tours as it works to make its fleet sustainable.”
Golden Tours’ continued investment in Equipmake’s ZED technology is a positive sign for the future of electric buses in the UK. This deal not only benefits the environment and reduces operating costs, but it also showcases the growing viability and economic advantages of repowering existing buses as we transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable transportation landscape.
