Zero Emission Drivetrain. This will be the innovation that Equipmake will launch at Busworld in Brussels, Oct. 7-12, 2023. The modular and scalable system can be applied to any bus and coach.

With the electric motor, inverter and power electronics developed in-house by Equipmake, combined with the latest lithium-ion batteries, the ZED’s advanced technology ensures high efficiency. One of the most important features is Equipmake’s patented efficient thermal management system, which keeps all three key components of the ZED-the battery pack, motor and inverter-at an optimal operating temperature, maximizing the vehicle’s range.

Equipped with an advanced water-glycol cooling circuit, the system has the added benefit of warming the passenger compartment in cold conditions through captured heat energy. When the battery runs out at the end of a full duty cycle, it can be recharged in the depot overnight via a CSS2 DC charging point.

State-of-the-art lithium-ion battery packs are available in a range of sizes, from 327 kWh to 436 kWh, up to 545 kWh, giving ranges up to 400km, while Equipmake’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.

Ian Foley, Equipmake CEO, said: «Bus and coach operators who want to go electric can do so quickly and cost-effectively with Equipmake’s Zero Emission Drivetrain (ZED). I’m delighted to showcase the latest version of our highly efficient battery-electric system here at Busworld. 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».

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