Kleanbus has begun a pilot scheme to electrify 18 of Edinburgh bus operator Lothian’s open-top mid-life diesel vehicles.
The Volvo B5TL buses that will be used in the trial will be repowered with the modular electric platform from Kleanbus featuring an optimised battery size to suit its duty cycle without hampering the vehicle with unnecessary weight, which would otherwise waste energy.
As part of the process, Kleanbus provides a full base vehicle evaluation and analysis of operator duty cycles, enabling a conceptual drivetrain to be modelled and validated through simulation.
At the same time, the diesel engine and all associated systems are removed. The packaging space is fully CAD scanned and digitised to create a bespoke electric e-drivetrain in a box platform that exactly fits the engine compartment.
Once prototypes are created, they are subjected to a rigorous test and validation programme ahead of certification.
Lothian recently published ‘Driving towards Net Zero’, a document which outlined its objective of a fully zero-emission bus fleet by 2035, with repowering playing a key role.
Colin Barnes, Engineering Director at Lothian, said, “Repowering has a vital role to play in our Driving towards Net Zero strategy as we transition to an all-zero emission fleet.
“Working with Kleanbus to upcycle current diesel buses to electric helps us to accelerate our transition to a more environmentally friendly transportation network at pace and accelerate our net zero plan.”
Joe Tighe, Co-founder, and CEO of Kleanbus, said, “Our technology is an ideal solution for quick, cost-effective, and optimum use of resources.”
