Equipmake secures £5.45m order from Agrale for 50 electric bus drivetrains

Equipmake has secured a new order worth £5.45 million from Agrale for the supply of electric drivetrain systems on 50 buses of different types, covering also the related non-recurring engineering costs, the UK supplier states in a press note. The beginning o the cooperation between the two companies dates back to 2022.

The agreement builds on the initial delivery of five zero-emission drivetrains in 2024. The new systems will be supplied in batches through to mid-2026, with each tranche backed by advance payments and an irrevocable letter of credit confirmed by a UK clearing bank.

Equipmake repowering Agrale buses

Equipmake will provide Agrale with a fully integrated electric drivetrain package, including motor, inverter, control electronics and battery pack, combining in-house technology with selected third-party components.

Agrale is a Brazilian manufacturer of commercial vehicles, tractors, engines and chassis, with a long-standing presence in the Latin American market. Founded in 1962 and headquartered in Caxias do Sul, it produces buses, light trucks, agricultural machinery and military vehicles, serving both domestic and export markets.

With this contract, Equipmake states its live order book now exceeds £10 million.

Ian Foley, CEO of Equipmake, commented: “This expansion of our partnership with Agrale represents a significant step for Equipmake and reflects the Company’s move to generate higher margin product and technology sales.  Supplying electric drivetrain systems for 50 buses is a major milestone in our joint mission to bring zero‑emission mass transit to South America.  This growing success story reflects the trust Agrale places in our solutions and our shared commitment to developing a robust sustainable transport network in the region.”

Edson Ares Sixto Martins, Director of Agrale, commented: “Agrale is proud to deepen our partnership with Equipmake through this substantial new agreement.  Their zero-emission drivetrain technology has proved to be highly reliable and efficient in our operations, and this expanded order underscores the strength of our collaboration in delivering clean, quiet electrified public transit.”