Wrightbus Unveils Advanced Hydrogen Coach at Cenex Expo
Key Ideas
- Wrightbus unveiled a 300kw hydrogen coach demonstrator at Cenex Expo, marking a significant step in decarbonizing public transport.
- The development was supported by the UK Government's Department for Business and Trade, Advanced Propulsion Centre UK, Queen’s University Belfast, and Symbio.
- The new hydrogen coach can cover 1,000kms on one refueling, showcasing a promising advancement in green transportation technology.
- Wrightbus, known for its innovation, has expanded its focus to decarbonizing coaches through the development of zero-emission solutions.
Wrightbus, a leading bus manufacturer in the UK and Europe, revealed its latest hydrogen coach development at the Cenex Expo. The CEO, Jean-Marc Gales, highlighted the importance of this zero-emission coach in decarbonizing the public transport sector. With the support of government funding from the Department for Business and Trade and partnerships with institutions like Queen’s University Belfast and Symbio, Wrightbus showcased a 300kw hydrogen coach demonstrator. This innovative technology, part of the company's ongoing commitment to innovation since its establishment in 1946, aims to address the unique challenges of decarbonizing coaches, such as longer distances and higher payloads. The successful testing of the new driveline indicates that the hydrogen coach can travel up to 1,000kms on a single refuel, emphasizing its efficiency and feasibility in green transportation. Moreover, Wrightbus has shown remarkable growth since its rescue in 2019, with expansions into new markets like Germany and the launch of NewPower, a division focused on converting diesel bus engines to EV powertrains.