Golden Tours has introduced what it describes as the world’s first fully electric converted AEC Routemaster bus.
Launched on 16 April at a reception attended by London Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy Mete Coban, the 59-year-old double-decker, which had previously been converted to an open-top sightseeing bus, has been further developed in partnership with Magtec and combines the preserved design of the classic Routemaster with Magtec’s modern electric drivetrain. It is expected to enter service on central London sightseeing routes in the coming weeks.
The conversion includes a 200kWh battery system, with the batteries manufactured by Magtec in Sheffield, and the supplier’s P180 electric motor, alongside the installation of a digital dashboard with telematics and performance monitoring. Five battery boxes are spread about the vehicle with one in the engine bay, two in the centre of the vehicle between the main chassis rails, and two mounted midway down the vehicle on either side, delivering a 120-mile range.
The bus is limited to 38mph and Magtec notes that none of the original structure has been physically altered to accommodate the new driveline, which it says maintains the integrity of the body. The vehicle underwent over 500 miles of testing ahead of its launch.
The electric AEC Routemaster forms part of Golden Tours’ expanding zero-emission fleet as the operator looks to align sustainability targets with its tourism work. The company believes electrifying a Routemaster offers a differentiated product that combines the appeal of one of London’s most iconic bus designs with strong environmental credentials.
Mikesh Palan, CEO of Golden Tours (pictured, left), says the idea for the conversion stemmed originally from a desire to refurbish the vehicle after it struggled to operate at capacity under the old driveline. “We are incredibly proud to be introducing the first-ever electric Routemaster to London’s streets,” he says. “This project represents the perfect blend of heritage and innovation — preserving an icon of London while embracing a more sustainable future.
“At Golden Tours, we are committed to enhancing the visitor experience while reducing our environmental impact, and this vehicle is a major step forward in that journey.”
Marcus Jenkins, founder and Director of Magtec, notes that sightseeing operations are an ideal application for this type of conversion, where the economics are clearer than within service bus operations. “Transforming this iconic Routemaster into a fully electric vehicle while preserving everything that makes it recognisable is the kind of unique engineering challenge that Magtec excels at solving,” he adds. “We’re proud to have brought this historic vehicle into the electric age with a 200kWh battery system, modern driver controls, and the performance needed for daily operations. It demonstrates what British engineering innovation can achieve in making transport more sustainable in towns and cities.”
