Repowering Buses Market Engagement

This is not a procurement. This is a call to market for interested parties to express interest in participating in market engagement activities relating to the broad scope of repowered buses.

TfW are exploring the opportunity to introduce repowered buses into the Welsh bus network. This will consist of two separate trials, to gain the knowledge on the compatibility of repowered buses in Wales.

Bus Repowering is a process of converting a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) bus into a zero-emission bus (ZEB). Currently, this is predominantly to a battery electric powertrain, although there is the potential to include Hydrogen powertrains in the future. This project would offer resilience in being able to be agile with the introduction of future fuel technology as it develops and becomes available.

TfW have purchased two 2012 Optare Versa V1110 hybrid buses (40 seats). These buses are currently with two different suppliers being converted to battery electric vehicles. The separate suppliers will allow TfW to test different repowering methodologies. It is expected that the buses will have circa 200kWh traction battery to power the vehicle. With an approximate range of 150 miles and a recharge time on the provided portable chargers of 5/6 hours. The buses are compatible with CCS type 2 chargers.

TfW are looking to engage with an operator to help facilitate the testing and potentially the implementation of repowered vehicles into operation within the bus fleet in Wales. The purpose of this market engagement exercise is to understand the capability of the market to support TfW in the testing of the repowered vehicles.

The testing plan has been set out in phases below. This is to ensure all information on the capabilities of both repowering methodologies are captured. This is to gather sufficient data on the vehicles capabilities and make an informed decision on future trials and implementation into service.

P0 Commissioning – This covers the initial repowering of the vehicle itself; the focus of responsibility is on the suppliers for the repowering and certification as a road worthy vehicle. This will include transportation to and from the manufacturing facility.

P1 Not in Service (NiS) – Beginning on the completion of P0, the aim of P1 is to evaluate the capabilities of the vehicles in a controlled manner. TfW will engage an operator to conduct the testing of the vehicles. This will be done with no passengers, not in relation to a service and over multiple different routes to test both the real-world range and the reliability of the vehicles before the project moves onto the next phase.

On completion of P1, we potentially may look to move the repowered buses into a service fleet to evaluate the vehicle under operational conditions (P3) before eventually moving it into full time service to allow a full operational test, under real life conditions (P4).

The vehicles are currently in Phase 0 – commissioning and are held at the repowering suppliers' sites. From Phase 1 the vehicles will be held with the operator, with TfW providing portable charging equipment for each bus. Both buses will come with after-market maintenance care for the repower system, but daily running maintenance is to be done by the operator. TfW expects that testing of the vehicles is to last no longer than 12 months, with TfW leasing the vehicles to the operator for the trial period. TfW are looking to start the testing process in December, subject to supplier completion of P0. The aim of the testing is to gather the required data on the buses performance and have feedback from drivers on their drivability, aiding in decision making for future repowering trials. TfW will want to work closely with the operator to monitor progress of the trial through physical visits, remote data access and route planning. Additional information: To express an interest in this market engagement opportunity, please contact supplychain@tfw.wales, and copy in Procurement Manager Rebecca.phillips214@tfwrail.wales

The deadline to express an interest in this opportunity is 22/11/2024.