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Golden Tours has introduced the world's first fully electric converted Routemaster bus in London, developed with UK specialist Magtec. The historic bus has been fitted with a 200kWh battery system and a modern digital dashboard, and has completed over 500 miles of testing before entering service. The vehicle joins Golden Tours' expanding electric fleet as part of the company's emissions reduction strategy.

Why it matters: The conversion demonstrates the technical feasibility of electrifying heritage vehicles with substantial battery capacity, potentially opening a niche market for tourist operators seeking zero emission solutions. The 200kWh system specification and successful testing phase provide a reference point for similar heritage fleet electrification projects.

Sheffield-based Magtec has repowered a 1967 AEC Routemaster for Golden Tours' London fleet, creating what the operator calls the world's first electric Routemaster. The conversion extends the heritage bus's operational life by ten years and follows Golden Tours' earlier adoption of Equipmake-repowered Volvo B8Ls. Magtec, which has specialised in heavy-vehicle electric conversions for over 20 years, carried out the work with minimal structural changes to preserve the iconic design.

Why it matters: The project demonstrates a commercial pathway for extending asset life through electric repowering, relevant to operators managing heritage or older fleets. It also highlights Magtec's track record in heavy-vehicle conversions, a capability that may interest procurement teams evaluating repower versus replacement for existing diesel stock.