Celebrating Excellence at The Routeone Awards 2024!

Grayson recently attended the prestigious routeone Awards 2024 at The Vox in Birmingham, an annual celebration of the bus and coach industry’s exceptional achievements. Hosted by Routeone Magazine, the event recognises excellence across operators, engineers, and rising stars.

Alex Bagnall and Stuart Hateley - RouteOne Magazine Awards 2024
From left: Alex Bagnall, Grayson Aftermarket Sales Manager, and Stuart Hateley, Grayson Managing Director

The awards bring together the sector’s best and brightest, highlighting accomplishments in customer experience, environmental innovation, and operational excellence. This year, finalists included a mix of small family-run and large national operators, reflecting the industry’s diversity.

Grayson’s Managing Director, Stuart Hateley, and Aftermarket Sales Manager, Alex Bagnall, proudly represented our company at this inspiring evening.

A highlight of the ceremony was its focus on innovation, from sustainable practices to advanced technology applications. In particular, it was a pleasure to see some of our valued aftermarket customers and partners receive awards. Jack Abbott, Engineering Director at Stagecoach Yorkshire, was awarded Engineer of the Year – Jack recently joined us in celebrating a 20-year Grayson tradition at our annual Curry Night. Additionally, Metroline was recognised for their Outstanding Customer Experience, a testament to their dedication for passenger satisfaction and operational excellence. Jonathan Hunt, a valued leader at our partner First Bus, also received the award for Manager of the Year, highlighting the exceptional talent driving the industry forward.

In particular, it was a pleasure to see some of our valued aftermarket customers and partners receive awards. Jack Abbott, Engineering Director at Stagecoach Yorkshire, was awarded Engineer of the Year – Jack recently joined us in celebrating a 20-year Grayson tradition at our annual Curry Night. Additionally, Metroline was recognised for their Outstanding Customer Experience, a testament to their dedication for passenger satisfaction and operational excellence. Jonathan Hunt, a valued leader at our partner First Bus, also received the award for Manager of the Year, highlighting the exceptional talent driving the industry forward.

Guests and Contestants Networking - routeone Awards

Beyond the awards, the event served as a valuable opportunity to network with industry colleagues and share insights to drive the sector forward.

Commenting on the evening, Stuart Hateley, Managing Director of Grayson, said: “It was great to attend the Route One Awards and celebrate the achievements of individuals in the bus and coach sector. The evening also highlighted the exciting evolution and resilience of an industry that I have been proud to be part of for over three decades.

“Grayson has been involved in the bus and coach industry for over 45 years and it is remarkable to see how far the industry has developed during that time. Now, with the transition to zero-emission solutions paving the way for a sustainable future, it feels like the best years of the industry lay ahead of us.

“Congratulations to all the winners on the night and a thank you to Route One for hosting a fantastic evening – we look forward to celebrating more achievements at the next awards in 2026.”

Visit our LinkedIn to share your thoughts and experiences from the awards.

Guests Networking - routeone Awards 2024

On November 12th, 2024, Grayson Thermal Systems had the pleasure of hosting its renowned Grayson Curry Night, an evening that has become a cornerstone event in the UK bus and coach industry calendar.

A-Board sign outside of the Grayson Curry Night 2024 restuarant

Held in Birmingham — our home city — on the opening evening of Euro Bus Expo, the event brought together over 60 valued customers, colleagues, partners, and friends to share an evening of authentic Indian cuisine at one of the city’s most celebrated curry houses.

What began over 20 years ago as a spontaneous meal among four friends has evolved into a hotly anticipated industry tradition. More than just a dinner, the Grayson Curry Night has become an occasion where relationships are strengthened, ideas exchanged, and successes celebrated.

“Being the tenth edition we have hosted is not only an opportunity for us to give back to our valued customers and colleagues, but is also a testament to our unique approach to business.” Matthew Hateley, Head of European Sales and Marketing

This year’s gathering reflected the essence of collaboration and community, with guests from across the UK bus and coach sector enjoying lively conversations, laughter, and reflections on shared achievements while looking ahead to the future.

Colleagues speaking next to Grayson Curry Night 2024 bannerMatthew Hateley, Head of European Sales and Marketing, commented: “It is a real source of pride that we can host our Curry Night and bring together so many different organisations and individuals for a fantastic evening and a real taste of Birmingham. Being the tenth edition we have hosted is not only an opportunity for us to give back to our valued customers and colleagues, but is also a testament to our unique approach to business.

“We have the privilege of working across multiple facets of the UK bus and coach sector, from providing market-leading efficient HVAC solutions for OEMs to delivering aftermarket servicing and support for operators. That trust has been built over more than four decades and we hold these relationships dear.

A busy room of bus and coach sector professionals mingling before the Grayson Curry Night 2024

“Our Curry Night not only strengthens these relationships but also reaffirms our commitment to working collaboratively with all stakeholders in the industry. We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended—here’s to continuing the Curry Night tradition for decades to come!”

Be sure to visit our LinkedIn page to share your thoughts, memories, and highlights from the evening. Let’s keep the spirit of collaboration alive – one Curry Night at a time, together!

Bemo Rail has delivered the first in a new series of hybrid shunting locomotives, equipped with Grayson’s advanced Battery Thermal Management System (BTMS).

The Netherlands-based rail experts, known for their innovation in shunting technology since the 1980s, approached Grayson in late 2022 to support the development of this innovative hybrid shunter, set to operate at an industrial steel factory. The project represents a significant step toward greener rail technology, with the new hybrid locomotive running on electrified power and using a generator for peak loads and charging the battery during less demanding tasks.

A crucial aspect of the locomotive’s performance was ensuring that the batteries operated efficiently across all conditions—from freezing temperatures to extreme heat—while minimising the risk of overheating and maximising the lifespan of the battery cells.

Grayson S1-400V AC BTMS
Grayson S1-400V AC BTMS (p/n: BC-6728-000)

To meet this challenge, Bemo required a robust battery thermal management solution capable of delivering 14 kW of cooling and 5 kW of heating, across ambient temperatures ranging from -10°C to 40°C, all while being compatible with a 400V AC power supply.

We provided the ideal solution with our BTMS S1-400V AC (part number: BC-6728-000), a field-tested and fully homologated system from our comprehensive standard BTMS range. This plug-and-play unit offers reliable, high-performance refrigerant-based cooling and heating in one package, ensuring optimal battery temperature control.

Our proprietary ‘Grayson Intelligence’ controller ensures that the BTMS autonomously responds to the shunter’s CAN-based commands, with configurable set points that adapt to the locomotive’s operational needs. The system is capable of delivering up to 14 kW of cooling capacity when needed, ensuring the shunter’s batteries perform at their best, even in demanding industrial environments.

Matthew Hateley, Head of European Sales and Marketing at Grayson, commented: “We’re delighted to support Bemo Rail in delivering their new hybrid shunting locomotive. Our BTMS is helping push forward electrified solutions in the rail industry, and it’s fantastic to see it making a difference in real-world applications.”

He added: “As specialists in battery thermal management, it’s particularly rewarding that we could meet Bemo’s needs with a standardised solution. This project reinforces why we continue to invest heavily in new product development.”

Robin Okkerse, Project Manager at Bemo Rail, said:

“We have tested the BTMS extensively during our SAT (Site Acceptance Test) and were happy with the results that the BTMS has provided. The locomotive was recently put into production where the real tests will begin for the locomotive. Time will tell how the BTMS performs during day to day operation. So far, we are happy with the performance and results.

“We were looking for a suitable partner that could deliver a compact BTMS to optimise the performance and extend the life span of the battery pack of the hybrid system. We eventually landed on the BC-6728-000 from Grayson that fit our requirements and was compact enough to be able to implement into the design. From beginning to end, we are very pleased with the assistance and technical know how of Grayson. During testing we were also very pleased with the results of the BTMS and look forward to any other projects in the future.”

To discover how Grayson can support your next project with advanced heating and cooling solutions, contact us today.

This October, Grayson will bring its flagship battery chiller technology to innovators across the electric vehicle and battery energy storage sectors at The Battery Show North America.

The industry event, taking place from October 8th to 10th in Detroit, Michigan, brings together OEMs, system integrators and operators from the rapidly evolving battery industry to explore new technologies, network, and share best practices.

Our experts, Andrew Hateley, Head of North America Sales, and Robert Kilhefner, Business Development Manager, will be on stand 3222, ready to discuss the latest trends and advancements in heating and cooling.

 

Our Product Range

In particular, we will be showcasing our latest solutions designed to support the electrification journey of the transit bus, rail, commercial vehicle, special vehicle, and stationary power sectors, including:

 

 

 

Electric Water Heater - 3.6kW and 5kW

Find out more

Contact Andrew Hateley or Robert ahead of the show to arrange a time to discuss your next project’s heating and cooling requirements.
If you are not attending this year’s Battery Show, we would welcome the opportunity to connect and explore how our innovative thermal management solutions can support your applications.

Contact us today to speak to one of our thermal experts.

Grayson Thermal Systems recently participated in a significant industry event to promote greater inclusive bus cabin design at the inaugural Inclusive Cab Summit, hosted by Women in Transport and First Bus Leicester.

The summit, held in March 2024 at First Bus’s Leicester depot, aimed to kickstart efforts in establishing a ‘gold charter’ for inclusive cab design in buses and coaches.

The initiative stemmed from findings of a driver survey conducted earlier in the year by Women in Transport’s Diversity and Inclusion Bus Group, which highlighted several common issues relating to cabin design, including body positioning and vision impairment, affecting drivers’ experiences.

Delegates pledged to continue pushing to push driver cabin inclusive design forward
All delegates pledged to ‘keep the conversation going’ and work together to improve the driver cabin inclusivity

The event featured Mike Adams, CEO of Purple Tuesday (a movement advocating for better customer experiences for disabled people and their families), who shared insights on the importance of inclusivity based on his personal experiences.

Over the day, enthusiastic parties discussed ideas around accessibility, particularly around the emerging electric vehicle technology. Two of Grayson’s valued customers, Alexander Dennis and Wrightbus, gave detailed presentations on their latest models, which both feature the ultra-efficient Grayson Double Deck Bus Vehicle Thermal Management System (VTMS). The innovative system uses advanced heat pump technology to efficiently deliver battery thermal management and electric motor cooling while simultaneously providing exceptional cabin and saloon climate control.

Attendees also discovered more about the new vehicle specifications for London, with Transport for London giving more information about the advancements in safety standards, comfort and accessibility.

Grayson Thermal Systems representatives Alex Bagnall, Aftermarket Sales Manager, and Steve Robinson, Group Aftersales Technical Manager, joined 30 other companies, including OEMs, operators, suppliers, and trade bodies, to contribute their expertise in driver cabin heating and cooling.

Leading bus OEMs including Wrightbus and Alexander Dennis attended on the day

Stuart Hateley, Managing Director for Grayson Thermal Systems, reflected, “With over 45 years’ experience in heating and cooling solutions for the bus and coach sector, this invitation to share our expertise in cabin climate control at the summit is a testament to our commitment to excellence and inclusivity.

“Participating in this event provided us with invaluable opportunities to actively listen and gain invaluable insights into the diverse needs and challenges faced by drivers. This feedback will be integral to our ongoing design and development processes, as we strive to continually improve cabin heating and cooling in the PSV industry.

“We look forward to continuing the conversation and remaining engaged as we collectively propel the industry toward even greater inclusivity.”

[Birmingham, Jan 2024] A family-owned Tyseley business which designs, manufactures and supplies cooling, heating and air conditioning products to the transport industry is set for growth with support from HSBC UK.

Grayson Thermal Systems (GTS) will use an eight-figure funding package from HSBC UK to develop three new production lines at its Tyseley factory, including two heat pump lines and a battery thermal management system line. The funding will also be used to modernise its fabrication facility to boost efficiency and increase output.

In line with the Government’s ban on selling new diesel and petrol vehicles by 2035, GTS has spent the past 10 years investing in the development of its product range for electric vehicles (EVs). Since 2020, the Midlands firm has seen a 75 per cent increase in sales in Europe and an 80 per cent increase in North America for its EV product range.

The new funding will allow GTS to increase its production capacity to continue to meet the growing demand, with 76 per cent of the company’s total European revenue now linked to EVs.

The new production lines will lead to a significant increase in staff headcount, with 74 new staff already appointed by the end of 2023. Additionally, GTS’s current staff will undergo training to upskill them so they can use the cutting-edge equipment.

In addition, HSBC US is also providing a seven-figure funding package to support the development of the company’s facility in Indiana through its US business, Grayson Thermal Systems Corp. This business is expected to double its turnover next year to $11M.

Stuart Hateley, Managing Director at Grayson Thermal Systems, said: “Demand for our EV products is continuing to increase significantly, so investing in building up our production capacity has been vital. We supply customers across Europe as well as the US so it was important for us to partner with a global bank with both local and international expertise that could offer us the working capital we need to grow and meet demand.”

Andy Oates, Head of Corporate West Midlands at HSBC UK, added: “Grayson Thermal Systems is an important employer in the West Midlands, and we are pleased to see its headcount grow even further as a result of the new production lines. We look forward to supporting the business, both domestically and internationally, and seeing its US counterpart demonstrate similar success.”

GTS is a market leader in thermal management systems for zero-emission applications including buses, coaches, trains, commercial vehicles, specialist vehicles and stationary energy storage systems (ESS). Starting as a repair shop in 1978, GTS transitioned into a supplier of engine cooling systems in 1997. In 2016, the business diversified its offering to include products for electric vehicles in response to the drive for electrification.

Throughout the transaction process, HSBC UK was advised by Gowling WLG and Avison Young, while GTS was advised by Wright Hassall.


Notes to editors: 

Media enquiries to: 

Calvin Barnett, Group Marketing Manager / marketing@graysonts.com

As the holiday season unfolds, we want to ensure you are well-informed about our upcoming Christmas closure.

Christmas Closure Dates:

  • Parts and Service office will be closed from 3 pm on Friday 22nd December 2023
  • We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday 2nd January 2024.

Parts Order Deadlines: To ensure timely delivery before the Christmas break, kindly process any orders no later than 2 pm on Thursday 21st December, for scheduled delivery on Friday 22nd December.

Orders Processed on Friday 22nd December: Orders processed on Friday 22nd December, will be dispatched for delivery on Wednesday 27th December (excluding Scottish Highlands and Islands).

Special Consideration for Scottish Highlands and Islands: For our friends in the Scottish Highlands or Islands, please be mindful of the two to five-day service for delivery. Ensure order processing by the 18th of December to meet your holiday needs.

Scottish Highlands and Islands Exception: Orders to the Scottish Highlands and Islands processed on Friday 22nd December, will be delivered in the New Year.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our customers for their continued support and we look forward to serving you again after this short break.

From all the team at Grayson Thermal Systems, we wish you a delightful and joy-filled holiday season!

[Birmingham, UK. Sep 2023] Grayson Thermal Systems (GTS), a leading name in thermal management solutions for the zero-emission vehicle space, is set to unveil its latest heating and cooling advancements at two prestigious international trade shows: Europe’s Busworld and North America’s APTA Expo.

From October 7th to 12th, 2023, GTS will proudly exhibit at Busworld in Brussels, Belgium (stand 638, hall 6) and highlight its pioneering thermal management solutions for the next generation of zero-emission buses. This marks the return of Europe’s largest trade show dedicated to the bus and coach sector after a four-year hiatus.

From October 9th to 11th, 2023, GTS Corp, the North American division of the Group, will return to the APTA Expo, taking place in Orlando, Florida (stand 3767). Targeted at the North American public transportation sector, the event will see audiences become acquainted with GTS’s vast array of climate control systems and components.

The events follow the company’s recent accomplishment of developing a complete Vehicle Thermal Management System (VTMS) for the world’s most energy-efficient electric double-deck bus. GTS will now use the exhibitions to showcase its popular third-generation Battery Thermal Management System (BTMS) range, catering to OEMs of battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. These cutting-edge battery chillers, configurable to suit the ambient, are also available as a hot water heat pump. The small but mighty package leverages GTS’s efficient refrigeration technology to maintain optimal performance.

Grayson Thermal Systems Magdrive pump, with matte black finished body and cast head
Pre-production samples of Grayson Thermal Systems’ new Magdrive Electric Water Pumps will be on show at both events

Visitors to both trade shows will also have the exclusive opportunity to get hands-on with GTS’s new Magdrive Electric Water Pump, featuring heavy-duty magnetic coupling technology for unmatched reliability and durability. This innovative addition to the Electric Water Pump category builds on the success of GTS’s Mechanical Seal unit.

Stuart Hateley, Managing Director of Grayson Thermal Systems, commented: “We are thrilled to return to Busworld and APTA with a range of ground-breaking developments to share with the industry.

“Since the last Busworld in 2019, we have invested significantly in our New Product Development initiative, pushing the boundaries of heating and cooling for the next generation of zero-emission applications. Having sold over 4,400 of our BTMS, VTMS and Heat Pumps in the past three years, our systems can now be found delivering exceptional cabin, saloon and battery climate control across the globe.

“GTS is now well-positioned to build on this success with new advanced systems and a strong sales pipeline in both the North American and European markets. We look forward to meeting new and existing contacts across different continents, sharing our exciting product developments, and demonstrating how we can support OEMs with their upcoming projects.”

In addition to the BTMS and Electric Water Pump ranges, Busworld attendees can gain insights into GTS’s electric motor and power electronics cooling modules built for battery electric buses.

Meanwhile, APTA Expo visitors will have the opportunity to delve into the manufacturer’s range of HVAC solutions and high-quality components, including the GTS Electric Water Heater range, offering up to 35kW of instant heat for batteries, saloons, or cabins, popular in the extreme cold ambients seen in North America.

Throughout both events, GTS’s thermal management experts will meet with visitors and share their knowledge. To schedule a meeting with one of the GTS team members at the respective stands, attendees are invited to book an appointment via the following links:



For media inquiries and further information, please contact: Calvin Barnett, Group Marketing Manager at Grayson Thermal Systems, at marketing@graysonts.com



About Grayson Thermal Systems

Headquartered in Birmingham, UK, Grayson Thermal Systems designs, tests, manufactures, supplies and services innovative heating and cooling systems for OEMs in the bus and coach, commercial vehicle, rail, off-highway, defence and stationary battery energy storage system sectors.

The Grayson Thermal System Group has a global footprint spanning three continents, including extensive manufacturing facilities in the UK and USA; engineering, research, test and development operations; and a dedicated Aftermarket division.

www.graysonts.com

On Tuesday, September 12th, 2023, Grayson Thermal Systems sponsored and attended the Clean Buses UK Conference in London. The event brought together decision-makers from local authorities, operators, vehicle OEMs, and suppliers, energy providers, charging solution suppliers, and funding agencies.

Over the day, we had the opportunity to hear from senior leaders who are at the forefront of deploying zero-emission bus (ZEB) fleets. As a leader in heating and cooling solutions for ZEBs, it also allowed us to highlight how we work with customers to support their next-generation bus fleets.

See below for a summary of some of the critical areas of discussion:


New funding models could disrupt the bus sector

Richard Holden, Minister for Roads and Local Transport for the Department of Transport addresses the audience at the conference
Richard Holden, Minister for Roads and Local Transport for the Department of Transport addresses the audience at the Clean Buses UK Conference

Regardless of whether it is the transport authority or the operator, transitioning an entire fleet of buses from diesel to zero-emission alternatives is an expensive undertaking. Not only is there the cost of the vehicles themselves (according to one operator, a double deck hydrogen fuel cell bus costs £600k and a battery electric bus costs £450k, compared to approximately £280k for a Euro 6 diesel bus), but there are also significant infrastructure and retraining costs to consider.


Power struggle: Interestingly, a leading operator highlighted the difficulty involved in accessing the power needed to run a battery-electric fleet. Bus operators with relatively low numbers of ZEBs are being required to buy more power for their depots than they currently require to ensure that they can meet future demand (as their ZEB fleets grow). This leaves operators having to decide whether it is best to invest in more power for their depot, knowing that some of that power and cost will be going to waste in the short term.


While public sector funding such as ZEBRA and SCOTZEB goes some way to soften the financial blow, there is still a significant funding shortfall that operators are required to cover to transition their fleets. This comes at a time when gaining access to capital is more challenging due to a rise in interest rates making borrowing more expensive.

This is leading to a new funding model making inroads in the bus sector: Vehicle leasing. Louis Swindell from Rock Road (a private equity firm operating in the transport sector) introduced the audience to their leasing proposition. Rock Road buys the ZEBs and then leases them back to operators for use at their depots. The model means operators and authorities are not left with expensive, depreciating values on their balance sheets, enabling them to invest in other areas, such as depot infrastructure, maintenance, and retraining.


All eyes are on Manchester as the franchising model enters the spotlight

Over 75 senior leaders across the industry came together to examine the opportunities and challenges involved in the deployment of zero-emission buses
Over 75 senior leaders across the industry came together to examine the opportunities and challenges involved in the deployment of zero-emission buses

With Transport for Greater Manchester’s franchising bus model set to start this September (representing a significant shake-up of bus operations outside of London), other authorities are watching it with keen interest (including Transport for West Midlands).

Bus franchising works in a similar way to rail franchising; potential operators bid competitively for the right to operate a bus franchise by requirements set by the franchising authority. Under franchising arrangements, the bus route, services, timetables, frequencies, and any service quality standards, will be determined entirely by the franchising authority.

Interestingly, the move to franchising may fuel demand for a leasing finance model, as it can help reduce the upfront costs for bus operators, which can make them more competitive when bidding for bus franchising contracts. It can also give bus operators more flexibility to lease buses for different periods, depending on the franchise contract that has been won.


Battery Electric vs Hydrogen Fuel Cell – The spirited debate continues

From left: KPMG's Ben Foulser, TfL's Tom Cunnington, Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT)'s Alison Edwards and Go-Ahead Group's Phil Southall discussing zero-deployment buses
From left: KPMG’s Ben Foulser, TfL’s Tom Cunnington, Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT)’s Alison Edwards and Go-Ahead Group’s Phil Southall discussing zero-deployment buses

A somewhat contentious topic at the conference was which technology would become dominant in the mission to deliver a clean bus reality: Battery electric or hydrogen.

Transport authorities and operators shared their experiences with hydrogen, with some citing challenges regarding the costs of  ‘green hydrogen’ and access to reliable hydrogen deliveries. There were also case studies demonstrating the problem of getting hydrogen facilities certified by the Health and Safety Executive, largely because the technology and infrastructure are so new that bodies responsible for certifying them lack the expertise or knowledge required.

Despite the increased costs and infrastructure challenges facing hydrogen, however, the technology did have its champions in the room. When questioned whether the government was right to invest in hydrogen technology, Richard Holder, Under Secretary of State for the Department for Transport, noted that hydrogen was still an important option for rural locations where access to grid power is a challenge, including construction sites, mining operations, and rural communities.

It was also pointed out that hydrogen fuelling stations can become a shared resource for buses, HGVs, and other applications, helping to reduce costs and increase uptake of the technology.

Importantly, it was highlighted that the comparison between battery electric and hydrogen fuel cells is not a like-for-like comparison at the moment, with battery electric being much further along its technology adoption curve than hydrogen. While use cases of hydrogen still involve very small numbers (single and double digits), the economies of scale needed to bring the costs down to parity with diesel or battery electric won’t happen.


A long road to zero-emission bus transportation lies ahead

Delegates listening to a talk from CPT at during the conference

The challenges raised by operators and authorities emphasise that there is still much to be done to reach the ambitious targets set out to transition to complete zero-emission fleets.

Of the 31,400 buses in England, 24,700 were still diesel as of last year, according to data shared by KPMG. Alongside the need to replace these tens of thousands of vehicles with clean alternatives is also the need for an infrastructure revolution. Thousands of more charging facilities, expensive substations, and substantially more power from the grid for depots and vehicles are also needed in the next 15 years.

These challenges are giving way to new ways of thinking about how buses should be designed, built, operated and financed. With our decades of experience providing energy-efficient, high-performance HVAC and driveline cooling systems for buses, Grayson Thermal Systems stands ready to support the transition to emission-free bus transportation with our heating and cooling solutions.


Highlighting how we are there on the clean bus journey, from source to service

Man reading a copy of the Heating and Cooling the Clean Bus Journey guide

To highlight the important role thermal management plays in the clean bus journey, we also unveiled our new ‘Heating and Cooling the Clean Bus Journey’ at the conference. At the event, each delegate received a copy of our simple guide, explaining the various steps involved in achieving zero-emission bus transportation and how our thermal management is integral to helping make it a reality.

Download and read a copy of the ‘Heating and Cooling the Clean Bus Journey’ guide here

Grayson Thermal Systems is proud to announce its role as an official sponsor of the upcoming ‘Clean Buses UK’ conference, scheduled for September 12, 2023, at the Park Plaza Riverbank Hotel in London.

Organised by Global Mass Transit, the conference will bring together local authorities, public transport operators, OEMs, system suppliers, and energy providers to examine the transition to zero-emission buses across the UK. It comes as the deployment of clean buses continues to gain momentum, with plans for a fleet of 4,000 zero-emission buses to be on roads across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland by 2025.

Over the day, industry experts will address the plans, programmes, technology and funding initiatives outlined by the UK Government, bus service operators, and local authorities to meet this ambitious target.

As a leading supplier of innovative heating and cooling solutions for OEMs and operators in the bus and coach sector, Grayson Thermal Systems will emphasise the crucial role that thermal management plays in achieving energy-efficient emission-free bus transportation.

Matthew Hateley, Head of European Sales and Marketing for Grayson Thermal Systems, commented: “The transition from combustion diesel engines to battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell electric buses represents the most significant change in the sector in over a century. It entails a complete transformation of infrastructure, a fundamental shift in the way OEMs build vehicles, and new skills for operators’ workforces to maintain these fleets.

“At Grayson Thermal Systems, we have been on this journey of developing heating and cooling solutions for these next-generation buses for almost a decade, starting with the launch of our first Battery Thermal Management System (BTMS) in 2014. This is why we believe we are well-positioned to share our knowledge regarding the pivotal role that thermal management plays throughout the entire zero-emission journey, from source to service.

“To meet the ambitious net-zero targets, innovation will be key. Through our experience and expertise, we have the solutions needed to help the sector reach these goals available today – as demonstrated by our ultra-efficient Vehicle Thermal Management Systems (VTMS) which are already an integral part of the next generation of UK zero-emission buses.”

During the conference, the Birmingham-based manufacturer will unveil its new publication, ‘Heating and Cooling the Clean Bus Journey.’ The simple guide highlights the various steps involved in making emission-free bus transportation a reality and underscores the vital role of thermal management.

Additionally, Grayson Thermal Systems will elaborate on how effective maintenance and servicing of zero-emission vehicle HVAC and battery thermal management systems can help reduce costly downtime and lower the total cost of ownership for operators.

Joining Grayson Thermal Systems as conference sponsors are global bus and coach OEM Alexander Dennis (ADL). Recently, the bus builder selected Grayson Thermal Systems to supply its VTMS for ADL’s latest battery electric bus developed for the UK market: The Enviro400 EV. The complete solution includes HVAC, BTMS, powertrain cooling, as well as other associated components such as temperature sensors, electrical harnesses, and electric water pumps.

For more information about the Clean Bus Conference UK, please visit: Clean Bus Conference UK