THE CHALLENGE:
First Bus, one of the UK’s largest operators with a fleet of 4,500 vehicles, sought to decarbonize without entirely replacing its fleet. The challenge: retrofitting aging diesel buses with electric drivetrains that could meet modern range expectations while preserving route schedules.
THE SOLUTION:
In 2022, Equipmake partnered with First Bus to repower 12 Optare Versa buses in York. The drivetrain systems were customized to optimize energy usage for specific routes, supporting up to 150 miles per charge with reduced recharging time. The project has since led to a letter of intent for hundreds more repowers.
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS:
- 12 successful conversions completed
- Route-optimized energy systems for efficiency
- Recharging time reduced through drivetrain enhancements
- Foundation laid for national fleet repowering
WHAT THE CLIENT HAD TO SAY:
“These 12 repowered buses use a really clever and cost-effective technology… First York’s partnership with Equipmake is a great example of how we can achieve this ambition.”
– Garry Birmingham, Director of Decarbonisation, First Group