18 open-top Volvo B5TL double-deckers in the Lothian Buses fleet are to be repowered to battery-electric by Kleanbus. Those conversions are described by the supplier as an initial deployment that leaves potential for “an expanded programme” of work later.
Kleanbus will fit a modular battery-electric platform to the buses in question. Energy storage capacity has not been disclosed, but it is described as being optimised to the buses’ duty cycle “without overburdening… with unnecessary weight.”
Lothian Buses Engineering Director Colin Barnes describes repower as having a “vital role to play” in delivery of the operator’s Driving Net Zero strategy. It will sit alongside purchase of new battery-electric buses, with the municipal having 50 such Volvo BZL double-deckers on order.
“Lothian is committed to bolstering the efforts of the Scottish Government and City of Edinburgh Council to enhance local air quality. Working with Kleanbus to upcycle current diesel buses to electric helps us to accelerate our transition to a more environmentally friendly transportation network at pace, and accelerate our net-zero plan,” adds Mr Barnes.
Kleanbus says that its repower package can convert both double- and single-deck buses. It uses a technology agnostic platform and the supplier’s own integration technology and proprietary software. Once the solution has been designed and tested, each individual bus can be dealt with in under two weeks.
Co-Founder and CEO Joe Tighe adds that the need from operators for zero-emission buses is “reaching critical levels.” He says that Lothian will set “a leading example with this ground-breaking initiative,” noting that the Kleanbus repower technology is well suited to quick, cost-effective and optimum use of resources.
“Upcycling is the most environmentally friendly solution to transform a current diesel fleet as it avoids unnecessary scrappage. We are delighted to be supporting Lothian Buses’ work on converting the first bus to aid its industry-leading net-zero strategy,” continues Mr Tighe.
Lothian has 30 Volvo B5TLs with open-top Wrightbus bodywork in its Edinburgh Bus Tours fleet. They are complemented by well over 200 further B5TLs with closed-top bodies from Wrightbus and Alexander Dennis.
