Horiba Mira is urging bus manufacturers, operators and owners to consider converting existing bus fleets with electric powertrain technology.
Last month, as part of a GBP220m (US$285m) package of funding to overhaul bus services, UK Chancellor, Sajid Javid announced GBP50m to develop an ‘all-electric bus town,’ which will see buses converted to wireless electric vehicles.
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Meanwhile, to cut pollution and operating costs, existing country buses are expected to be transitioned to hybrids, using electric power within built-up areas and diesel in more rural areas.
The announcement comes as the European Union (EU) puts greater pressure on countries to reduce carbon emissions from public transport vehicles, recently releasing the Clean Vehicles Directive, which states at least a quarter of new buses purchased by public authorities in cities across Europe must be zero-emission by 2025 and at least a third by 2030.
“This funding offers a great opportunity to a number of local authorities, bus manufacturers and operators, currently involved in helping the UK transition to a cleaner public transport network,” said Horiba Mira Global Electrification Services Leader, Greg Harris.
“While the onus to-date has mainly been on bringing new electrical buses to market, not to be overlooked is the major role retrofitting existing buses to e-Buses can play in the UK’s all-electric bus towns’ pilot and in meeting the EU’s clean vehicles directive.”
Horiba Mira has collaborated with Germany-headquartered lithium-ion battery specialist, BMZ and eAxle experts, Ziehl-Abegg to offer a turnkey service for converting existing bus fleets to e-Buses.
The service, which launched this month (October), will see the trio develop and supply electric powertrain solutions, with the option of a complete retrofit offering of existing bus fleets through local partners where required.
“Our engineering teams have supported the development and integration of low carbon powertrains for over 15 years and we recognise for many, this is a new area fraught with complexity,” added Harris.
