Big Bus Tours, a global open-top tour bus operator, has bolstered its fleet with the addition of 40 electric sightseeing buses, just in time for the summer holiday season. The company is introducing 20 brand-new Ankai electric buses in Paris and Vienna, while also retrofitting 20 buses in London by converting existing diesel buses to electric.
The new electric tour buses in Paris and Vienna are purpose-built and supplied by Ankai Anhui. They are equipped with 315 kW battery packs, powering the buses through a ZF hub-motor axle. These buses can DC fast charge in four to six hours, depending on the grid load.
In London, the original buses are 2012 Ankai tri-axle diesel models that have been converted to fully electric by Equipmake. The conversion involves fitting a 327 kW battery pack that powers a single motor driving directly into the existing axles. These buses can be charged using AC or DC chargers and are charged overnight on 22 kW chargers since they are only used during the day.
Pat Waterman, executive chairman of Big Bus Tours, expressed excitement about the new electric buses, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome these new electric buses as part of our investment in sustainability. This EV expansion is a major step forward in reducing our carbon footprint and enhancing the tour experience for our customers.”
The electric buses in all three European cities will be operational this summer, increasing the company’s total electric fleet to 51, which accounts for just over 10% of its global fleet.