Retrofitting Diesel Buses with Electric Powertrains: A Huge Business Opportunity
Retrofitting diesel buses with electric powertrains is quickly becoming the next big business in the automotive industry. According to Jean-Marc Gales, CEO of Wrightbus, there will be a significant demand for converting or replacing 34,000 diesel buses by 2035. This presents a massive business opportunity for companies like Wrightbus.
Wrightbus, a Northern Irish firm owned by Jo Bamford, has recently launched a new sub-brand called Newpower to cater to this growing demand. Their program involves retrofitting diesel bus fleets at the mid-life point, extending their lifespan by an additional 10 years. The company has invested in a new facility in Bicester that can convert up to six buses every three weeks.
The cost of converting each bus is approximately £200,000, significantly cheaper than purchasing a new fully electric bus, which can cost around £500,000. Wrightbus has already received bookings for conversions through 2025, indicating the potential success of this venture.
One of the major advantages of retrofitting is the ability to quickly decarbonize existing buses. Gales states that they can take buses that are five to nine years old and transform them into electric vehicles in just three weeks. This rapid transformation is nothing short of revolutionary and offers a cost-effective way for customers to lower emissions without having to invest in an entirely new fleet.
While government funding for these conversion projects would be ideal, Wrightbus is currently pursuing partnerships with organizations like Transport for London (TfL). They are in talks to convert TfL’s Routemaster buses, which would be a significant contract for the company. Gales believes that if successful, this contract would set Wrightbus on a pathway to growth and solidify their position in the market.
Retrofitting commercial vehicles is not a new concept, and companies like Bedeo have already seen success in this field. Bedeo has developed a range-extender electric powertrain for vans, costing approximately £25,000. The Newpower conversion process involves replacing the diesel engine with an electric drivetrain, including battery packs and an electric motor. These conversions offer 322bhp and 1770lb ft of torque, ensuring that the converted buses can perform as well as their diesel counterparts.
Wrightbus’s conversion process also includes additional features to boost efficiency, such as front and rear heat pumps, extra battery cooling, and chassis reinforcements to handle the added weight of the battery packs. The average range of the converted buses is 143 miles, with the option to add a fifth battery pack for a range of 178 miles. The company estimates a maximum DC charging rate of 150kW.
However, it is important to note that the conversion process does result in a slight reduction in bus passenger capacity. The four-pack option reduces capacity by around six passengers, while the five-pack reduces capacity by 12. Despite this limitation, Wrightbus remains committed to expanding their retrofitting capabilities to include other bus models, including those from rival companies.
In conclusion, retrofitting diesel buses with electric powertrains is an exciting and lucrative business opportunity for companies like Wrightbus. With the potential to extend the lifespan of existing buses while significantly reducing emissions, this approach offers a cost-effective and sustainable solution for the transportation industry. As more companies invest in retrofitting technology and governments provide support and funding, we can expect to see a rapid transformation of our public transportation systems in the coming years.