Germany’s push for sustainable public transportation takes a significant step forward as bus operator West Verkehr places an order for 12 Wrightbus Kite Hydroliners. This move follows an extensive Europe-wide tender process and marks a notable development in Germany’s commitment to hydrogen-powered mobility.
West Verkehr’s order brings a fleet of single-deck hydrogen buses to the town of Geilenkirchen. These buses, powered by Wrightbus’s Kite model, promise to be a game-changer for the region’s public transportation.
The Kite Hydroliner boasts impressive specifications. With a range of up to 640 miles, it’s well-equipped for covering significant distances efficiently. This bus is also capable of carrying up to 90 passengers, making it a practical choice for urban and suburban transit.
One of the standout features of the Kite is its shared components with the StreetDeck Hydroliner FCEV, specifically an 86% parts commonality. This design approach offers significant advantages in terms of fleet maintenance costs, a vital consideration for operators.
Under the hood, the Kite is driven by a 70 kW Ballard FCmove dual cell module, complemented by a 30 kWh or 45 kWh battery pack. This combination ensures efficient and reliable performance, along with reduced emissions.
This substantial order from West Verkehr signifies Northern Ireland-based Wrightbus’s growing influence in the global sustainable transport market. It follows a previous deal with German bus operator Regionalverkehr Köln GmbH (RVK) for up to 60 Kite Hydroliner single-deck buses, further solidifying Wrightbus’s role in advancing sustainable transit solutions in Germany.
Notably, these new buses will be manufactured at Wrightbus’s headquarters in Ballymena, reflecting the company’s commitment to supporting local production and creating employment opportunities.
Wrightbus offers a diverse range of eco-friendly buses, including battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell single- and double-decks. This portfolio positions them as a key player in shaping the future of public transportation.
This substantial order from West Verkehr is a testament to Germany’s vision for sustainable mobility and its investment in advanced transportation technologies. Hydrogen-powered buses offer a practical solution to reduce emissions and provide efficient, long-range public transit options. They play a crucial role in achieving sustainability goals and addressing environmental concerns.
