Equipmake, the UK-based engineering specialist pioneering the development and production of electrification products across the automotive, aerospace, bus, coach, and off-highway industries, has been approved as a bus and coach repowering company under the Energy Saving Trust’s Zero Emission Vehicle Repower Accreditation Scheme (ZEVRAS) – offering the first repowering system to achieve the certification.
Raising the standards for converting ICE vehicles to electric, ZEVRAS’ objective is to support the transition to zero-emission buses and coaches in the UK. The scheme mandates higher requirements for multiple elements of the repowering process – including energy efficiency assessment, battery testing, and zero-emission heating.
With more than two decades’ expertise in the development of innovative, industry-leading, and end-to-end electric drivetrain offerings, Equipmake has established itself as the UK leader in repowering, thanks to its Zero Emission Drivetrain (ZED) system – a cutting-edge battery-electric powertrain designed and developed from the ground-up to deliver clean, cost-effective urban mobility.
Completely scalable and modular, the certified and readily available ZED system can be applied to any bus or coach, from single to double decker. Featuring Equipmake’s in-house developed electric motor, inverter, and power electronics, combined with the latest in lithium-ion batteries, ZED’s advanced technology results in high efficiency.
Under the ZEVRAS scheme, companies offering repowering services are required to become accredited for inclusion on an approved register of repowering companies and systems – providing bus and coach operators with increased confidence in the quality of the systems they choose to implement.
Buses and coaches repowered by ZEVRAS-approved companies are eligible for the Department for Transport’s 22 pence-per-kilometre zero emission bus (ZEB) grant on bus routes in England, as well as the ability to enter clean air zones free of charge.
Ian Foley, CEO, Equipmake, commented: “With Equipmake’s zero-emission drivetrain system at the forefront of bus and coach repowering in the UK, we are delighted it is the first repowering system to achieve ZEVRAS accreditation. The introduction of this new standard illustrates the important role that bus and coach repowering plays in the UK’s pursuit of its net zero targets, and we expect that it will instil operators with added confidence regarding the calibre of Equipmake’s bus and coach repowering system.”
One of its most important features of Equipmake’s ZED is its patented ultra-efficient thermal management system, which maintains all three of the ZED’s key components – the battery pack, motor, and inverter – at an optimum operating temperature, maximising vehicle range.
Every configuration carried out by Equipmake, whether coachbuild or repower, is bespoke to each vehicle and its requirements, with service routes simulated to ensure the optimum battery level is selected, and that required mileage is achievable. Equipmake also provides cost effective aftercare, with a motor, battery pack and inverter refurbishment programme.
Based in Snetterton, Norfolk, Equipmake provides the complete electric vehicle solution, offering everything from motors to fully electrified platforms, supporting primarily the automotive, commercial vehicle, marine and aerospace sectors.
