Bus and coach companies in the UK are subject to stringent standards that require regular inspections and maintenance, to ensure the safety and reliability of their vehicles. However, the components of these vehicles were often heavily coated in oil, grease, and dirt, making it difficult to inspect and repair them effectively. This is where parts washing has in the past come into its own, as a vital process that can help bus and coach companies maintain vehicle safety and efficiency. But parts washing goes beyond ensuring safety, and has a role to play in reducing the industries carbon footprint, even when it comes to electric vehicles.
Understanding the importance of parts washing…
Safety inspections
By using parts washing to remove all traces of oil, grease, and dirt from these components, bus and coach companies can ensure that they can identify any problems accurately and fix them before they become a safety hazard. But what about a stronger drive to carbon neutral and sustainability regulations….how can parts washing help?
Reducing emissions on traditional vehicles
In addition to ensuring safety, parts washing can also help bus and coach companies in reduce their carbon footprint. The transport sector is the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the UK, and it is therefore essential that transport organisations find ways to reduce their impact on the environment. By using aqueous parts washing to clean components instead of relying on harsh chemicals or inefficient manual cleaning methods, bus and coach companies can significantly reduce their carbon emissions, and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.
The future of parts washing and electric vehicles
The UK government has set targets for the phase-out of non-electric buses and coaches. In its 2019 Clean Air Strategy, the government set a target for all new buses to be zero-emission by 2025, and for all buses on the road to be zero-emission by 2035. The government has also announced a £5 billion ($6.8 billion) plan to overhaul bus and cycle infrastructure, with a focus on zero-emission vehicles. This plan includes funding for the purchase of new electric buses and the retrofitting of existing buses with electric powertrains.
In addition, the government has launched several funding schemes to support the transition to zero-emission buses and coaches. For example, the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme provides funding to local authorities to purchase zero-emission buses and develop associated infrastructure, while the Ultra Low Emission Bus Scheme (ULEB) provides funding for the purchase of low-emission buses.
These targets and funding schemes reflect the government’s commitment to reducing emissions from the transport sector and promoting the transition to zero-emission vehicles. Bus and coach companies will play a key role in achieving these targets by investing in new electric vehicles and ensuring that their existing vehicles are maintained and operated in an environmentally responsible manner.
A report by the European Environment Agency (EEA) on the environmental impact of transport states that regular maintenance of electric vehicles is essential for ensuring their long-term efficiency and reducing their environmental impact. The report highlights the importance of cleaning electric vehicle components, including batteries, to maintain their performance and prevent corrosion, which is where parts washing comes in.
In addition the Electric Vehicle Association of Europe (EVA) emphasises the importance of regular cleaning and maintenance for electric vehicles, stating that “cleaning your electric vehicle is just as important as charging it.” The EVA recommends using eco-friendly cleaning agents and avoiding high-pressure washers to prevent damage to electric components. (Source: Electric Vehicle Association of Europe, “EV Cleaning & Maintenance,” 2021)
For more details on how we help the bus and coach industry see our guide.
