Collaborative R&D Competitions

Equipmake LTD – CELEB2

UK SMEs helping to clean public transport

The project, involving three UK-based SME’s, has been able to develop a state of the art electric bus – the Jewel-E with up to 250mile range. Utilising novel HVAC design significant efficiency gains have been found. In addition, through the development of key sub-systems providing vertical integration has allowed opportunities for the retrofit of diesel hybrid buses of current bus operators and their stock. By reducing the barrier of cost, this will assist coachbuilders to develop vehicles that can help improve local air quality and reduce CO2 emissions in areas across the globe, which could be specifically beneficial in cities with high public-transport demands.

Enabling traditional coachbuilders to go electric with ease

Project Highlights

  • Development of cost-effective fully-integrated electric bus architecture meeting TfL 2024 safety standards
  • Development of bus retrofit with potential to convert existing diesel fleets to go electric
  • Each electric bus has the potential to save 24,000 KG of COper year
  • Equipmake’s HTM 3500 motor, which combines high torque with low motor speeds, and is fitted directly onto the propshaft negating the need for a separate gearbox
  • Total project value £7.4million, with £3.7million funded through the APC

Project Consortium

Road to Net Zero Podcast

Our Road to Net Zero podcast is all about how the UK automotive industry is transitioning to net zero. In a series of interviews, we highlight key issues and developments, interesting projects and technologies emerging from one of the UK’s most innovative sectors on the road to net zero.

Explore more APC-funded projects