Electric drivetrain specialist Equipmake has unveiled its Jewel E battery-electric double-decker bus that will be produced in partnership with Spanish coachbuilder Beulas.
The Norfolk-based firm says the bus will offer a maximum of 543kW/h of onboard energy storage – the largest energy capacity of any two-axle battery-electric double-decker – and deliver a 250-mile range.
Testing of the model will begin towards the end of this year and the first vehicles are expected to begin in-service trials in the first quarter of 2022.
The Jewel E includes Equipmake’s modular and scalable Zero Emission Drivetrain (ZED).
It has been designed and developed in-house and is already being used in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in partnership with Brazil-based manufacturer Agrale.
The ZED uses Equipmake’s HTM 3500 motor, which is fitted directly to the prop shaft and combines high torque with low motor speeds.
It delivers up to 400kW and 3,500Nm of torque, and is driven by a Semikron SKAI inverter. Energy is stored in a variety of lithium-ion battery packs that provide up to the headline 543kW/h capacity.
Ian Foley, Equipmake Managing Director said: “Improving urban air quality is a global problem. At the same time, operators want vehicles that are cost-effective and highly efficient, while governments and local bodies need bus manufacturers to bring advanced technology to market quickly.”
