Equipmake to repower its first coach
By Luke Willetts - 12th May 2023
Westway Van Hool T917
UK - Electric drivetrain manufacturer, Equipmake Ltd has been commissioned by London-based UK coach operator, Westway Coaches, to convert its diesel coaches to electric power with its Zero Emission Drivetrain (ZED), making it Equipmake’s first foray into the coach market. The first conversion of a Van Hool T917 has begun at Equipmake’s headquarters in Snetterton, Norfolk, and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Equipmake claims that by using a larger battery, its own HVAC energy management system, and power management software that optimises the electrical energy to the different service routes, the bus will have a minimum range of at least 220 miles (354km) in all UK weather conditions thanks to a 545-kWh battery pack. Equipmake suggests that the cost to repower each coach is less than half the price of a new electric coach.
