UK-based bus manufacturer Wrightbus has unveiled a significant £25 million investment in research and development aimed at advancing zero-emission public transport. The company's focus will be on enhancing battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell technologies to drive the evolution of sustainable transportation. A major portion of the investment, £10 million, will be allocated to the ongoing development of the Wrightbus StreetDeck Electroliner, a battery-electric bus model. Furthermore, Wrightbus will channel £5 million towards the creation of a hydrogen-powered coach that promises a travel range of up to 1,000km on a single refuel, positioning it as a strong competitor to diesel coaches in terms of efficiency and range. The company also intends to invest in product validation, advanced vehicle testing, and the implementation of a real-time telematics system with an additional £5 million, aiming to streamline maintenance processes, optimize fleet operations, and utilize AI-based data analytics to prolong vehicle service life. The UK's Science Secretary, Peter Kyle, commended Wrightbus during a visit to its Ballymena headquarters for this strategic R&D investment. Wrightbus highlighted its existing fleet of over 1,800 zero-emission vehicles, which have collectively covered more than 50 million miles, resulting in a substantial reduction of 85,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions compared to diesel counterparts. The company's ambitious target is to manufacture 1,200 buses by 2025, with a predominant focus on battery electric vehicles. CEO Jean-Marc Gales emphasized the significance of this investment as the largest R&D commitment in Wrightbus' history, underscoring the pivotal role of innovation in the company's transition from diesel to cleaner propulsion technologies over a brief five-year period. This move solidifies Wrightbus' leading position in the green manufacturing sector in the UK, aligning with the increasing demand for eco-friendly transportation solutions.