Northern Ireland's Wrightbus has announced a substantial £25 million investment into research and development aimed at accelerating the production of next-generation electric and hydrogen-powered buses. The company, based in Ballymena, is already a leading zero-emission bus manufacturer and is dedicated to green mobility innovation. The investment will be directed towards developing cutting-edge buses like the Wrightbus StreetDeck Electroliner, capable of traveling up to 200 miles on a single charge and recharging in just 2.5 hours. Additionally, a hydrogen-powered coach with a range of up to 1,000km per refuel is in the works. The funding will also ensure rigorous testing for the new vehicles, set new global standards for green public transport, and enhance the telematics system for improved efficiency. Wrightbus' efforts have resulted in preventing over 85,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions, showcasing the economic and environmental impact of such investments. The company's growth includes expanding production numbers and securing major deals, contributing to the UK's clean transport and energy sectors. With a significant private investment in clean energy industries and a rise in electric vehicle sales, Wrightbus stands as a beacon of private-sector innovation driving regional development and job creation in the pursuit of a net-zero future.