Pioneering bus manufacturer Wrightbus, based in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, has secured a significant order for its zero-emission hydrogen buses from German bus operator West Verkehr. The deal involves the supply of 12 Kite Hydroliner single-deck buses, marking another milestone in Wrightbus’s expansion into the European sustainable transport market.
This latest order follows Wrightbus’s previous agreement with German bus operator Regionalverkehr Köln GmbH (RVK) to supply up to 60 Kite Hydroliner buses. The growing demand for Wrightbus’s hydrogen buses underscores the company’s leadership in developing and deploying zero-emission transport solutions.
Jean-Marc Gales, CEO of Wrightbus, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership with West Verkehr, emphasizing the importance of hydrogen technology in addressing climate change. “For Wrightbus, hydrogen represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get ahead in the large-scale manufacturing of a technology that will be in demand across the world,” he stated.
The new Kite Hydroliner buses will be manufactured at Wrightbus’s Ballymena headquarters, creating hundreds of high-skilled jobs and boosting the local economy. The company’s commitment to sustainable transport is evident in its diverse product portfolio, which includes the world’s first hydrogen double-deck bus, the StreetDeck Hydroliner, and the highly efficient battery-electric double-deck bus, the StreetDeck Electroliner.
Udo Winkens, managing director of West Verkehr, highlighted the significance of this step towards a zero-emission bus fleet, stating, “With the purchase of the 12 hydrogen-powered vehicles, we are taking an important step towards converting the West’s bus fleet to emission-free drives.”
Wrightbus’s success in securing this latest order demonstrates its growing reputation as a leader in sustainable transport solutions. The company’s commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility is paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future for public transportation.
