Equipmake secures new £2.4m electric drivetrain supply deal with Agrale for 23 buses

Equipmake announces it has secured a £2.4 million supply agreement with Agrale S.A. for electric drivetrain systems to be installed on 23 e-buses.

The contract adds to the existing commercial relationship between the UK-based electrification specialist and the Brazilian bus manufacturer and increases the total volume of vehicles covered under the partnership. The announcement was released on 28th January by Equipmake, outlining the scope and value of the new order and its technical content.

As of September 2025, Equipmake announced it had secured a 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. These vehicles are currently in operation in Buenos Aires. The beginning o the cooperation between the two companies dates back to 2022.

Electric buses in Argentina?

Figures from E-Bus Radar, backed by ZEBRA alliance, indicate that Argentina’s electric bus fleet stands at 111 units, with deployment split between legacy trolleybus systems and a limited number of battery-electric buses. Standard 12–15 metre e-buses represent the largest share among battery-electric vehicles, while midi e-buses are present in smaller volumes and articulated e-buses remain marginal. By manufacturer, the fleet is highly fragmented, with Powertronics, AsiaStar, BYD and Trolza each accounting for similar numbers, alongside a sizeable group of smaller suppliers.

Equipmake – Agrale: a new powertrain order

The £2.4 million agreement covers the supply of Equipmake-developed electric drivetrain systems for 23 Agrale buses of varying types. According to Equipmake, the systems supplied under the contract consist of a fully integrated electric drivetrain combining an electric motor, inverter, control systems and battery pack. The solution integrates proprietary Equipmake products and technologies alongside selected components sourced from third-party suppliers, as stated by the company.

Equipmake confirmed that the drivetrain packages will be used in battery-electric buses manufactured by Agrale for deployment in South America. The company reports that the order reinforces its role as a supplier of complete electric powertrain solutions for bus manufacturers.

Based on information released by Equipmake, the new agreement increases the cumulative number of Agrale buses equipped with Equipmake electric drivetrain systems to 73 units across the two contracts. The company identifies the latest order as a continuation of its supply activities with Agrale after the deployment of the first batch of vehicles.

Ian Foley, CEO of Equipmake, commented: “We are delighted to receive a further order with Agrale, which demonstrates the confidence that they have in our ability to deliver Equipmake systems in South America. The successful deployment of the initial fleet in Buenos Aires has led to this follow-on order which helps cement the relationship with such an important customer, together with our shared commitment to developing a robust sustainable transport network in the region.”