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Edwards Coaches Marks 100 Years with National Express Collaboration

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When your business turns 100, you want to mark the occasion with more than cake and a commemorative mug. For Edwards Coaches , the largest operator in the National Express network, the centenary year has kicked off in style with the delivery of a dual-branded Caetano Levante 3A bodi ed Scania K410EB6, complete with the bespoke registration NX25 BUS . Edwards Coaches It’s a coach, yes, but also a case study in clever brand alignment, long-term partnership and how visual identity can reinforce strategic messaging. Coming from a marketing background, I can’t help but appreciate the detail behind the design and what it signals for the next chapter of a company that’s been on the road since 1925 . A moving celebration of a century in service The new vehicle is more than a fleet addition; it’s a symbol of how Edwards Coaches has evolved from a family-run service in the Welsh Valleys to a national player operating 116 daily services on behalf of National Express. The Levante 3A , now one...
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Equipmake’s New Electric Conversion for Wrightbus Streetdeck

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Have you heard about Equipmake? They’re a pioneering engineering company focusing on electrification, working across industries like automotive, aerospace, buses and more. Recently, they announced an exciting new electric conversion for the Wrightbus Streetdeck double-decker bus.

Tom Harrison (Bus Ambassador)

What’s the Wrightbus Streetdeck?

The Wrightbus Streetdeck, launched in 2014, is has become one of the UK’s favorite double-decker buses. You’ve likely seen them around the likes of Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds. Now, Equipmake has unveiled the latest version of their Zero Emissions Drivetrain for the Streetdeck, promising a superb mix of range, battery life, performance and cost-effectiveness, all while maintaining passenger capacity.

The Tech Behind the Transformation

So, what’s inside this cutting-edge system? Let’s break it down:

  • HTM 3500 Motor: Delivers 3,500Nm of torque and 400kW of peak power.
  • Semikron SKAI Inverter: Ensures smooth, efficient power conversion.
  • 436kWh Lithium-Ion Battery: Provides an impressive range of up to 200 miles.

Cool Features

  • Space-Saving Design: The system fits neatly into the existing bus layout, so no passenger space is lost.
  • Smart Thermal Management: Equipmake’s patented system keeps the battery, motor, and inverter at optimal temperatures, boosting range and even using captured heat to warm the bus interior during cold weather.
  • Quick Recharging: The battery can be recharged at depot charging points once depleted.

Fast and Affordable Conversion

Equipmake can convert a diesel Streetdeck to electric in just three weeks! This means minimal downtime and a quick return to service. Plus, it costs under £200,000 – less than half the price of a new electric bus.

Words from the CEO

Ian Foley, Equipmake’s CEO, shared his enthusiasm, saying,

“The Wrightbus Streetdeck is one of the most popular double deckers on UK fleets and the conversion of these buses will not only have a huge positive impact on local air quality but provide operators with a vehicle with lower running costs and a better experience for passengers and drivers.

“We’ve worked incredibly hard to develop this stand-out electric repower solution for the Streetdeck and the results are sector-leading. Our Zero Emission Drivetrain technology has a crucial role to play in accelerating the transition to a fully electric UK fleet – and we look forward to converting as many of these vehicles as possible in the coming months.”

Environmental and Economic Benefits

  • CO2 Savings: Repurposing the existing bus chassis saves 90 tonnes of CO2 compared to producing a new bus.
  • Cost Efficiency: Each conversion is less than half the price of a new electric bus. With most buses in service for over 14 years, converting them mid-life can result in substantial savings.

Equipmake’s Broader Impact

Equipmake isn’t just focused on buses. They’re also electrifying other vehicles, like fire trucks and airport logistics vehicles, partnering with companies in the US and UK.

Equipmake is leading the way in creating efficient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly electric solutions for the commercial vehicle industry. Keep an eye on them – they’re doing remarkable things!

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