Transport for Wales and Edwards trial bus repower to electric

Pair of Optare Versas have been repowered from hybrid format; non-revenue trials underway

Transport for Wales (TfW) and Edwards Coaches are evaluating battery-electric repower technology as part of Welsh Government plans for the country’s bus fleet to be fully zero-emission by 2035.

Equipmake and Magtec have each converted one Optare Versa from diesel-electric hybrid configuration to fully battery-electric. Trials have first been conducted without passengers to assess performance, reliability and efficiency, but TfW says it is planned for both buses to enter real-world service to further the exercise.

Both Equipmake and Magtec already have repowered buses in service with other operators. TfW says that its project with Edwards Coaches “represents a significant step forward in building a more sustainable, reliable and efficient public transport network across Wales.”

Speaking about the work, Edwards Coaches Commercial Manager Simon Ingham says: “We are proud to partner with TfW to refurbish and test repowered electric buses – the first of their kind in Wales.

“The results are encouraging, and we are committed to supporting practical, scalable solutions that cut emissions while maintaining reliable services. It has been really exciting for the team to be involved as we celebrate 100 years of business.”

Mr Ingham adds that both buses have performed well and that trials have given Edwards good insight into repower. “They are identical to look at but have slightly different nuances based on the drivetrains,” he says.

TfW adds that collaboration with Edwards Coaches “highlights the shared commitment to innovation and sustainability in Welsh transport.” The operator has previously trialled OEM battery-electric buses on some of its bus services.

TfW Project Manager for Bus Decarbonisation Connor Young: “It has been great to see the repowered buses out and about during the trial. It has been an incredibly important project to help us reach the 2035 goal set by the Welsh Government for the bus fleet to be zero-emission.”