Wrightbus Launches NewPower: Revolutionizing Bus Repowering for Decarbonization
Key Ideas
  • Wrightbus has launched NewPower, a repower facility aiming to decarbonize older diesel bus fleets at a lower cost than purchasing new battery-electric buses.
  • The conversion process, which utilizes the Voith Electric Drive System, NMC battery packs, and Grayson HVAC system, can be completed in as little as three weeks per bus.
  • The initiative has already created 22 jobs and follows a successful year for Wrightbus, with a focus on improving air quality and reducing CO2 emissions through zero-emission buses.
  • Wrightbus CEO Jean-Marc Gales highlighted the company's expansion, emphasizing their impact on air quality improvement and job creation while leading in zero-emissions bus manufacturing in the UK.
Wrightbus has introduced NewPower, a repower facility located at the former headquarters of Arrival, dedicated to accelerating the decarbonization process by converting older diesel bus fleets to electric powertrains. The initiative focuses on fitting electric drivetrains into Streetdeck buses initially, with plans to expand to other common bus models. At approximately £1m per model, NewPower offers a cost-effective solution compared to purchasing new battery-electric buses. The re-powering service, costing around £200,000 per bus, leverages the expertise of Wrightbus' workforce to swiftly swap diesel powertrains for electricity. The process involves utilizing the Voith Electric Drive System, NMC battery packs, and a Grayson HVAC system, with the capability to decarbonize up to 500 buses annually. Wrightbus emphasizes the immediate sustainability impact of converting mid-life bus fleets to zero-emission, highlighting the substantial savings in CO2 emissions and diesel consumption. The CEO, Jean-Marc Gales, underlined the company's growth and success, expressing pride in their achievements in zero-emissions bus manufacturing. Furthermore, Wrightbus has reinforced its position as a leader in the bus industry by creating new jobs through NewPower and focusing on enhancing air quality. With a commitment to increasing their fleet of zero-emission buses and significantly reducing CO2 emissions, Wrightbus continues to drive innovation and sustainability in the transportation sector.
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