Vehicle electrification specialist Equipmake and Spanish coachbuilder Beulas have partnered to develop an electric double-decker bus. The new Jewel E features an electric powertrain designed and developed at Equipmake’s facility in Norfolk, UK, along with a body produced by Beulas in Girona, Spain.

Equipmake’s Zero Emission Drivetrain (ZED) is modular and scalable, capable of supporting different bus sizes. ZED is already powering e-buses in Buenos Aires as part of an Equipmake partnership with Brazilian vehicle manufacturer Agrale.

Equipmake’s HTM 3500 motor combines high torque with low motor speed, and is fitted directly onto the driveshaft, negating the need for a separate gearbox. It produces maximum torque of 3,500 Nm at 1,000 rpm, and offers maximum power of 400 kW. The powertrain also features a Semikron SKAI inverter, and battery pack options up to 543 kWh, which enables a maximum range of 250 miles. Depot charging is via CCS DC.

Equipmake says the Jewel E electric bus will feature “one of the most efficient thermal management systems on the market, which keeps the motor, inverter and battery at optimum operating temperature, featuring a water-glycol cooling circuit augmented by the capture of thermal energy to heat the interior in cold conditions.”

Jewel E has met the latest Transport for London (TfL) bus safety standard for 2024. Testing has begun, and in-service trials are expected to take place in Q1 2022. Manufacture and sales will begin in 2022.  

“Featuring our cutting-edge ZED powertrain, our innovative new EV double decker, Jewel E, has up to 250 miles electric range, yet is cost-effective too,” said Ian Foley, Managing Director, Equipmake. “Set to be built at an all-new manufacturing facility near our home in Snetterton, Norfolk, it has the potential to play a crucial role in supporting the Government’s commitment to introduce 4,000 EV buses in the coming three years. What’s more it’s also the first EV bus to meet TfL’s tough 2024 regulations.”

Equipmake doesn’t only make stodgy old buses—the company “provides EV technology to automotive OEMs and specialist supercar makers, producing everything from high-performance electric motors to inverters and power electronic systems, all the way up to complete EV drivetrains, while also operating across marine, off-highway, emergency vehicles and aerospace.” Projects include Ariel’s upcoming HIPERCAR.

Director Foley has worked with Le Mans and F1, and the company’s R&D facility is located next to the Snetterton motor racing circuit.

Source: Equipmake