Wrightbus Invests £25 Million in Zero-Emission Buses and Hydrogen-Powered Coach
Key Ideas
- Wrightbus commits £25 million to accelerate electric and hydrogen-powered buses, creating new jobs and cutting emissions.
- Development includes world's most efficient electric bus with extended range and rapid charging, capable of traveling up to 200 miles on a single charge.
- £5 million allocated for the UK's first hydrogen-powered coach, expected to travel up to 1,000km on a single refuel.
- Investment in telematics system for real-time vehicle monitoring to improve efficiency, lower costs, and optimize routes.
Wrightbus has announced a significant investment of £25 million to support the rollout of zero-emission buses, including the development of next-generation electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles. The funding aims to create new employment opportunities while significantly reducing emissions. A portion of the investment, £10 million, will be utilized to develop the Wrightbus StreetDeck Electroliner, described as the 'world's most efficient' double-decker and single-decker electric bus. This innovative bus boasts an extended range and rapid charging times, allowing it to travel up to 200 miles on a single charge and recharge in just 2.5 hours. Additionally, around £5 million will be dedicated to building the UK's first hydrogen-powered coach, set to launch within 18 months with an impressive capability of traveling up to 1,000km on a single refuel. Furthermore, £5 million will be allocated for product validation, with the remaining £5 million designated for a telematics system. This system will offer advanced vehicle monitoring, collecting real-time performance data to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, prolong vehicle lifespans, and enable fleet operators to optimize their routes efficiently. The Science and Technology Secretary, Peter Kyle, emphasized the importance of investing in innovation, stating that Wrightbus's commitment to research and development delivers tangible benefits for the company, the local region, and the broader economy. With Wrightbus having already surpassed 50 million zero-emission miles, leading to the prevention of over 85,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions compared to diesel alternatives, this investment further solidifies their dedication to sustainability and technological advancement.