[Birmingham, UK – April 2026] – Grayson Thermal Systems’ Aftermarket division has passed a significant landmark, now delivering servicing and maintenance support for more than 1,000 battery electric and fuel cell electric buses in operation across the UK.
Calling upon almost five decades of expertise in the design, manufacture and servicing of HVAC and thermal management systems, Grayson has long supported bus operators in keeping their fleets running efficiently. Building on its established work with diesel and hybrid vehicles, the business has increasingly extended its aftermarket capability to meet the demands of electric bus fleets.
The Aftermarket operation has evolved in parallel with the transition to zero-emission vehicles, investing in specialist tooling, technician training and EV-specific processes to support high-voltage thermal systems safely and effectively. The business now delivers planned maintenance, diagnostics and system optimisation for electric and hydrogen fleets operating across different duty cycles and climates.
According to Grayson’s latest data, the company now supports over 1,050 electric vehicles under service contract, all fitted with HVAC systems developed and manufactured by the Birmingham-based heating and cooling specialist.
In total, Grayson currently maintains approximately 4,500 buses and coaches nationwide under contract. EVs now account for around 23% of the overall HVAC servicing portfolio – a significant proportion that continues to rise as operators expand their zero-emission fleets.
Leanne Shenton-Smith, Head of Aftermarket for Grayson, commented: “We are proud that many major operators have entrusted us to service and maintain their electric vehicles, and reaching over 1,000 EVs under contract reflects both that trust and the pace of change across the UK bus sector. It is encouraging to see operators taking a proactive approach to maintaining the performance and longevity of their fleets through regular servicing of thermal management and HVAC systems.
“As is often the case, prevention is better than cure – particularly with electric vehicles, where these systems have a direct impact on efficiency, range and reliability. Unlike diesel vehicles, poorly maintained systems can reduce range and place strain on temperature-sensitive components such as batteries, while even minor issues like blocked filters can increase energy consumption and lead to avoidable downtime.
“At the same time, these systems are critical to maintaining a comfortable environment for drivers and passengers in all climates. As fleets continue to evolve, operators’ commitment to zero-emission transport is clear, and this milestone highlights the important role UK engineering plays in supporting that transition. By working closely with operators, we help minimise preventable issues, reduce downtime and maximise total cost of ownership.”
Alongside its Aftermarket activities, Grayson designs and manufactures HVAC and thermal management systems for a wide range of UK bus platforms. Drawing on nearly 50 years of engineering experience, the company adopts a system-level approach, developing integrated solutions that respond to the operational demands of modern zero-emission fleets.
Consideration for servicing and maintenance is incorporated at the design stage, with system layouts and component access designed to support efficient in-field work. The company stresses this approach enables faster maintenance, helping operators reduce downtime and maintain consistent vehicle performance throughout the service life.
About Grayson
Headquartered in Birmingham, UK, Grayson Thermal Systems is a pioneer in the design, testing, manufacturing, and servicing of innovative heating and cooling systems for OEMs in the bus and coach, commercial vehicle, rail, off-highway, defence, and stationary power sectors. Founded in 1978, Grayson operates across three continents with manufacturing facilities in the UK and USA, developing advanced heat pump and battery cooling systems for next-generation zero-emission applications.
For more information / imagery
For hi-res imagery or for additional comment, contact Calvin Barnett, Group Marketing Manager, at cbarnett@graysonts.com or call +44 7810 795439