New EV double-deck from Equipmake and Beulas
Electric powertrain specialists Equipmake and Spanish bus builder Beulas are launching a new electric double-deck bus to compete with Chinese products in the UK market.
The Jewel E bus will have battery options of up to 543kWh, which the developers claim will be the largest battery of any single-axle double-deck electric bus with a range of up to 250 miles on a single charge.
The bus features a British-built electric powertrain designed and developed at Equipmake’s facility in Norfolk, with the body produced by Beulas in Girona. Production is due to begin in 2022 at a new factory in Norfolk.
Equipmake’s Zero Emission Drivetrain is modular and scaleable to support different bus sizes. The ZED is already being used in single-deck form in Buenos Aires as part of an Equipmake partnership with Agrale.
Integrated into the Jewel E chassis ZED is an HTM 3500 motor, which combines high torque with low motor speeds, and is fitted directly onto the propshaft negating the need for a separate gearbox. It produces maximum torque of 3,500Nm at 1,000rpm and offers maximum power of 400kW.
Testing of the Jewel E begins in Q4 2021 with in-service trials expected to take place in Q1 2022.
“Improving urban air quality is a global problem,” says Ian Foley, managing director, Equipmake. “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.”
Dolors Beulas, managing director, Beulas, adds: “We are delighted to be working with Equipmake on this innovative project. Its Zero Emission Drivetrain is state-of-the-art, offering exceptional efficiency yet is cost-effective too. Beulas is a leader in passenger transportation in Europe, and with Jewel E, we are further consolidating our position, launching a cutting edge zero emission bus that has huge potential to improve urban air quality.”