UK-based Equipmake said on Tuesday it had won an order worth £5.45 million from Brazilian bus maker Agrale to supply electric drivetrain systems for 50 buses, expanding their partnership in South America’s growing zero-emission transit market.
The deal follows an initial order for five drivetrains placed in August 2024, which Equipmake has already delivered. Under the new agreement, systems will be supplied in batches from now through mid-2026. The contract also covers Agrale’s non-recurring engineering costs.
“This expansion of our partnership with Agrale represents a significant step for Equipmake and reflects the company’s move to generate higher margin product and technology sales,” said Ian Foley, CEO of Equipmake. “Supplying electric drivetrain systems for 50 buses is a major milestone in our joint mission to bring zero-emission mass transit to South America.”
Agrale, headquartered in Caxias do Sul, Brazil, said the technology had already proved reliable in its operations. “Agrale is proud to deepen our partnership with Equipmake through this substantial new agreement,” said director Edson Ares Sixto Martins. “Their zero-emission drivetrain technology has proved to be highly reliable and efficient in our operations, and this expanded order underscores the strength of our collaboration in delivering clean, quiet electrified public transit.”
Equipmake has supplied electric drivetrains to European customers such as Wrightbus and sightseeing operator Big Bus Tours. The Agrale deal extends its reach to South America, where bus electrification is gaining momentum as governments and operators push to cut emissions in urban transport.