Take a look at the zero-emission drivetrain technology delivering cost-effective urban mobility for buses.
In line with the ongoing trend towards electrification in the transport sector, more and more bus manufacturers are looking to make the switch to electric drivetrains in order to make their vehicles cleaner, greener and more cost-effective. Equipmake, a UK-based electric drivetrain engineering specialist, has recently introduced the latest generation of its state-of-the-art electric drivetrain.
THE ZERO EMISSION DRIVETRAIN
Unveiled at Busworld 2023, the Zero Emission Drivetrain (ZED) is a cutting-edge battery-electric powertrain designed and developed from the ground up to deliver clean, cost-effective urban mobility. Completely scalable and modular, the ZED can be applied to any bus, from single to double decker, and is suitable for coachbuilds as well as repowers of existing diesel vehicles. The ZED features Equipmake’s in-house developed electric motor, inverter and power electronics, combined with the latest in lithium-ion batteries.
One significant feature of the ZED is Equipmake’s patented ultra-efficient thermal management system, which maintains all three of the powertrain’s key components – the battery pack, motor, and inverter – at an optimum operating temperature that maximises vehicle range. The powertrain also features an advanced water-glycol cooling circuit, delivering the added benefit of providing interior heating during cold conditions via captured thermal energy. When the battery is depleted at the end of a complete duty cycle, it can be recharged at the depot overnight using a CSS2 DC charging point.
The lithium-ion battery packs are available in a range of sizes, from 327kWh to 436kWh, up to 545kWh, providing ranges up to 400km. The company’s HTM 3500 electric motor is seamlessly integrated into the prop shaft without the need for a separate transmission, and has been precisely engineered to meet the demanding requirements of a fully laden bus by producing 3,500Nm torque at a motor speed of just 1,000rpm and delivering 400kW maximum power.
BESPOKE BENEFITS
The ZED is already in use by operators across the globe, from London to Buenos Aires. The company says the powertrain can help to reduce local emissions in urban environments, improve air quality, and reduce running costs for users and operators.
“Bus and coach operators who want to go electric can do so quickly and cost-effectively with Equipmake’s ZED,” says Ian Foley, the company’s CEO. “Fully scalable and modular, it can rapidly turn any bus electric, featuring a raft of cutting-edge technology, including our own in-house developed motor, inverter, and patented thermal management system. The move to zero emissions is gathering momentum as operators realise the significant cost benefits of going electric – Equipmake’s ZED can play a vital role in accelerating that transition.”
Each configuration delivered by Equipmake is bespoke to each vehicle and its requirements, whether the application is coachbuild or repower. As part of this, service routes are simulated to ensure the optimum battery level is selected and that required mileage is achievable. The company also provides aftercare via a motor, battery pack and inverter refurbishment programme.
