Magtec completes electric conversion of London Routemaster for Golden Tours

E-drives provider Magtec has completed the electric repower of a 1960s London Routemaster bus for sightseeing operator Golden Tours.

The vehicle, originally powered by a diesel engine and dating back to the 1960s, has been retrofitted with a 200 kWh battery system, enabling an operational range of up to 120 miles while maintaining the original bodywork and external design.

The Routemaster conversion is part of a broader programme under which Magtec has completed more than 30 diesel-to-electric bus repowers across multiple UK locations, including London, Oxford, Liverpool and Wales. In the past few years also sightseeing company Tootbus has commissioned to Magtec the repowering of open top buses in London.

Electric repower of the Routemaster platform by Magtec

The project involved integrating the electric drivetrain within the constraints of the Routemaster’s structure. The primary battery pack, along with the controller and ancillary systems, has been installed beneath the underfloor section, with additional battery modules distributed across the vehicle to achieve the required capacity.

The engineering process required reconfiguration of internal systems while preserving the vehicle’s external appearance. The original electrical architecture of the Routemaster allowed the installation of new wiring harnesses and control systems without the need to interface with modern proprietary electronics.

The driver’s cab has been updated with a digital dashboard developed by Magtec, providing enhanced monitoring and control functionalities. The vehicle remains structurally unchanged in terms of its external profile, including its open-top configuration for sightseeing operations.

Magtec states that the conversion was completed within four months. The company reports that earlier repower projects required up to 14 months, indicating a reduction in project timelines as engineering processes have been refined.

Deployment within Golden Tours fleet

The converted vehicle will enter service with Golden Tours, a London-based sightseeing operator. The company is also proceeding with the conversion of two additional Routemaster buses, which are configured as closed-top vehicles and used for themed tourist services.

The Routemaster model was originally introduced in 1956 and produced until 1968, with a total of 2,876 units manufactured. Approximately 1,200 units are still in existence, with some remaining in operational use by heritage and specialist operators.

The conversion project aligns with ongoing use of legacy vehicles in commercial and tourism applications, where retrofitting is applied to extend operational life while modifying propulsion systems.

In brief

• What vehicle has been converted? A 1960s London Routemaster bus operated by Golden Tours.
• What are the technical specifications? A 200 kWh battery system providing up to 120 miles of range.
• How was the system integrated? Battery modules were distributed across the vehicle, including underfloor installation.
• What is the project timeline? The conversion was completed in four months.

Matt Kasprzycki, senior programme manager at Magtec, said: “The Routemaster is one of the most recognisable vehicles in the world and preserving that appearance while completely transforming what powers it was the central engineering challenge. We also engaged closely with the Routemaster enthusiast community throughout the project, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. They recognise that electrification gives these historic vehicles a viable future for decades to come.”

Mikesh Palan, CEO of Golden Tours, added: “We are incredibly proud to be introducing the first-ever electric Routemaster to London’s streets. This project represents the perfect blend of heritage and innovation, preserving an icon of London while embracing a more sustainable future. At Golden Tours, we are committed to enhancing the visitor experience while reducing our environmental impact, and this vehicle is a major step forward in that journey.”