Grayson Thermal Systems has now secured heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) service and maintenance contracts for over 700 battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell-electric buses in the UK.
Such reach in a rapidly growing area builds on work in the same field for diesel and diesel-electric hybrid buses by the HVAC and thermal management system design, manufacture and servicing specialist.
Grayson expects that the number of zero-emission buses under contract with it will pass 1,000 later in 2025. Overall, including diesel-powered models, its coach and bus HVAC servicing portfolio consists of more than 4,100 vehicles.
Aftermarket Director Ian Hateley notes that while HVAC maintenance on diesel buses has “minimal” impact on vehicle operation, “poorly maintained systems on electric buses can significantly reduce range and cause unnecessary wear on expensive components, such as temperature-sensitive batteries.”
He adds that even seemingly minor issues such as blocked filters can force HVAC and thermal management systems to work harder. That can increase energy consumption, impacting range and potentially leading to vehicle-off-road incidents.
“By working with us to ensure regular servicing and maintenance, operators are taking the right steps to minimise preventable issues, reduce downtime, and maximise their total cost of ownership.”
Mr Hateley adds that Grayson is proud to work with many major operators on bus HVAC equipment. “It is also reassuring to see operators making proactive decisions to prioritise the performance and longevity of their EVs by ensuring regular servicing and maintenance of their thermal management and HVAC systems,” he continues.
“As is often the case, prevention is better than cure – and that is particularly so with thermal management and air-conditioning systems on electric vehicles.”
Data from the supplier shows that the number of zero-emission buses under contract has grown by almost 1,800% over the past 12 months. In addition to its aftermarket operation, Grayson manufactures HVAC and thermal management systems for multiple UK double- and single-deck bus platforms.
