Equipmake and Beulas to start trials of Jewel E double decker bus

Jewel E zero emissions bus

Vehicle electrification specialist Equipmake and Spanish coachbuilder Beulas have teamed up with London bus operator Go-Ahead to start in-service trials of the new Jewel E double decker electric bus.

The trials are expected to start in Q1 2022.

The Jewel E uses a zero-emission drivetrain from Equipmake. The setup features three modular li-ion battery pack options, 325, 434 and up to a maximum of 543 kWh. This is described as ‘the largest capacity battery of any two-axle double decker electric bus in the world’.

In this setup, the bus has an approximate range of 300 miles, sufficient to deliver a full duty cycle with recharging. Battery packs can be scaled to match the bus route.

Another key component of the powertrain is Equipmake’s 3500 electric motor. This is integrated into the propshaft without the need for a separate transmission. The motor delivers 3500 Nm of torque at 1,000 rpm and 400 kW maximum power.

A Semikron SKAI invertor converts DC charge from the battery pack to AC charge to drive the motor.

The patented thermal management system from Equipemake maintains temperatures across all elements of the powertrain. Featuring an advanced water-glycol cooling circuit, the system also heats the bus interior.

Recharging can be completed overnight using a CSS DC charging point.

The Jewel E is set to enter production in 2022 at an all-new facility in Norfolk, UK. Bodies are produced by Beulas, in Girona, Spain, while the chassis was designed by Agrale in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The introduction of the Jewel E is put forward as supporting the UK government initiative to introduce at least 4,000 British-built zero-emissions buses by 2024 as part of its Bus Back Better programme.

The Jewel E will also play a part in fulfilling global demand for electric buses, which is forecast to reach 1 million units per annum by 2030.