The Launch of Two New Zero-Emission Double-Deck Electric Bus Models by Equipmake and Volvo

September 2021 has become a busy time for electric bus manufacturers with Equipmake and Volvo unveiling their new zero-emission double-deck electric bus models aimed at the London market.

 

Let’s take a look at the launch of Equipmake’s double-deck electric bus in collaboration with Beulas for the bodywork:

This bus has been specifically developed for demanding daily usage cycles, Jewel E meets the latest Transport for London (TfL) specifications and requirements for 2024, including enhanced safety features to give the public, drivers and passengers piece of mind.

Integrated into Jewel E’s chassis is Equipmake’s ZED Zero Emission Drivetrain, advanced propulsion technology; the HTM 3500 motor combines high torque with low motor speeds, and is fitted directly onto the propshaft negating the need for a gearbox.

 

The unit produces maximum torque of 3,500Nm at just 1,000rpm and offers maximum power of 400kW. It is driven by a Semikron SKAI inverter with energy stored in a 543kWh lithium-ion battery pack – enough for a range of up to 250 miles on a single charge, the largest battery available globally on a double deck bus, enabling more than enough daily operating mileage.

Jewel E’s efficiency is made possible by Equipmake’s ZED incorporating one of the most efficient thermal management systems on the market, which keeps the motor, inverter and battery at optimum operating temperature, featuring a water-glycol cooling circuit augmented by the capture of thermal energy to heat the interior in cold conditions.

 

When the battery is depleted, it can be simply recharged at the depot overnight using a CSS DC charging point.

 

Equipmake has published a video on YouTube to reveal the new double-deck electric bus.

 

Link to video

 

Volvo has launched their new double-deck electric bus as part of their Volvo BZL Electric chassis for buses worldwide.

 

From Volvo Bus website

The new Volvo BZL Electric is based on proven and successful technologies already implemented in Europe. All the chassis and driveline components are developed and manufactured by Volvo, then we partner up with bodybuilders around the world to safeguard the premium qualities of our buses. The driveline can be configured as a single or dual motor unit with a power output of no less than 540 hp. This makes the Volvo BZL Electric an untiring hill climber and will allow for swift and smooth operation. The Volvo BZL Electric is designed for charging flexibility by hardware interfaces for both OppCharge high-power charging on route as well as CCS charging in the depot.

The London launch starts at 7:57 in the video

 

Link to video

 

You can read more about the Volvo BZL launch in their press release.

The body design of the double-deck electric bus is believed to be built by MCV. I see that certain design cues of the New Routemaster have been applied to the body design including the glazed staircase and a sloped windscreen with rounded corners to comply with TfL’s Bus Safety Standard. I’ve said before that buses designed exclusively for London are obsolete now because some bus manufacturers have adopted design cues of the New Routemaster (notably the glazed staircase) to their double-deck body designs which are now seen throughout Great Britain and various cities around the world.

No doubt we will see more launches from other bus manufacturers including Arrival and Wrightbus in due course.

 

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