With an impressive £25 million investment in research and development, Wrightbus, a well-established UK bus manufacturer, reinforces its commitment to zero-emission public transport.
Currently, the centerpiece of this investment is the £10 million allocated to perfecting the Wrightbus StreetDeck Electroliner. This model supplements the existing transport options with battery-electric solutions and is offered in both single and double-decker configurations. This advancement signals a strong push towards integrating electric buses more comprehensively within public transport systems.
Further demonstrating a penchant for pushing the envelope, Wrightbus is investing £5 million in engineering a hydrogen-powered coach projected for release within 18 months. Promising an impressive range of up to 1,000 kilometers on a single refuel, the initiative aims to meet diesel coaches head-on in both range and efficiency. This hydrogen innovation addresses a critical challenge for sustainable growth—providing long-distance travel solutions that don’t sacrifice performance or convenience.
The investment doesn’t stop at vehicle innovation. An extra £5 million is directed at product validation and advanced vehicle testing, ensuring engineering precision and reliability. In a nod to the significance of advanced technology in modern fleet management, another £5 million supports the development of a real-time telematics system. By harnessing AI-based data analytics, this system is designed to enhance operations through predictive maintenance and optimize vehicle service life, offering a multifaceted solution to operational challenges.
The impact of Wrightbus’ zero-emission initiative is already tangible. Their fleet, tallying over 1,800 zero-emission vehicles, has covered more than 50 million miles, averting an estimated 85,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions compared to traditional diesel fleets. As the company eyes the production of 1,200 buses by 2025—with approximately 95% anticipated to be battery electric—it fortifies its leadership in the zero-emission transport sector.
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