Tootbus, a subsidiary of RATP Dev, is set to repower 15 open-top double-decker buses for sightseeing services in central London, contributing to the city’s ambitious net zero targets by 2030. In collaboration with Magtec, the UK’s leading designer, manufacturer, and integrator of drive systems for commercial electric vehicles, Tootbus aims to transform its iconic fleet for sustainable operations.
The multi-million-pound agreement with Magtec involves retrofitting the 23-tonne triaxle buses with electric drivetrains, including Magtec’s long-range 280 kWh battery system. These distinctive double-decker buses will ply hop-on, hop-off routes, showcasing London’s world-famous landmarks in and around Westminster.
Andrew Gilligan, Managing Director of Magtec, expressed enthusiasm about strengthening the partnership with Tootbus, highlighting their joint commitment to environmentally friendly services and enhancing air quality in central London. With 15 years of experience in retrofitting buses with zero-emission technology, Magtec stands as a key player in the green mobility sector.
Gavin Brooking, Managing Director of Tootbus UK, emphasized Tootbus’s pride in being the first global clean energy sightseeing bus company. The electrification initiative aligns with Tootbus’s overarching goal of achieving a fully electric fleet by 2030, in tandem with the Mayor of London’s ambitious plan for carbon neutrality. The conversion to electric power not only supports environmental goals but also ensures that cyclists and other road users in the UK capital are spared from the diesel fumes of idling sightseeing buses.
Magtec, known for its expertise in the commercial EV sector, is expanding its footprint across various industries, including rail, UK land defense, and special applications such as airport airside vehicles, marine, and mining. Earlier this year, the UK-based engineering firm obtained GB Small Series Approval for its 7.5-tonne electric truck, the MEV75, designed for last-mile logistics, waste collection, and refrigerated deliveries. The collaboration with Tootbus marks another significant stride for Magtec in advancing sustainable transportation solutions.
