Norfolk-based Equipmake delivered one of the surprises of Busworld when it showed a battery-electric right-hand drive double-decker chassis. It will be bodied and undertaking testing within 12 months.
The underframe complements a single-deck electric bus chassis that was developed to satisfy the Argentinian market. The Equipmake double-decker uses a ZF drive axle, but components including the motors, their associated gearbox and control units are all produced by the Snetterton company.
Batteries are the same as those used in the Nissan Leaf car. They are scaled to suit a bus application. The first chassis has 315kW/h of energy storage, but the modular nature of how it is accommodated means that a further pack could be added to give over 390kW/h.
MD Ian Foley says the Equipmake product will be a cost-effective and energy-efficient offering. Equipmake is currently talking to possible bodybuilders and developing an integrated thermal management system for the double-decker.
The bus’ charger is mounted on the chassis. Mr Foley adds that will simplify the depot infrastructure requirement. A full charge is expected to require no more than five hours to complete although it can be undertaken more quickly with a high-power supply.
A two-speed gearbox used with each 220kW APM200 ‘spoke’ motor is also part of the chassis’ attractions, says Mr Foley. Ratios can be changed easily, allowing the performance characteristics of the bus to be tailored to its specific application.
“The chassis will be driveable on its own by the end of 2019 and we anticipate having a body on it within 12 months,” he continues.
Equipmake also plans to trial three of its single-deck battery-electric buses in the UK. It is currently talking to potential operators.
