Wrightbus launches next-generation electric bus
PSV manufacturer Wrightbus has announced the launch of what it describes as its most efficient battery electric bus yet, featuring a unique battery developed following a multi-million-pound in-house programme.
The Generation 2 Electroliner is said to offer improved efficiency compared to its predecessor; and Wrightbus cites significant improvements to range, charging speed, battery life, HVAC systems and warranty as among the benefits of the new Electroliner.
The firm reports that more than 900 of the vehicles have been sold in advance, and says customers can save 11 per cent on total cost of ownership (TCO).
It expects to have 1,100 of the buses on the roads by the end of next year, comprising a mixture of single-deck Electroliner Kite and double-deck StreetDeck models.
The second-generation Electroliner StreetDeck has an approximate range of 275 miles, and can be charged in 1¼ hours at 380kW. The single-deck Kite has a range of either 300 miles (with a 442kWh battery) or 365 miles (with a 528kWh battery), and cited charge times of 1¼ hours or 1½ hours respectively.
Meanwhile, a new Voith VEDS1.5 Driveline provides additional efficiency gains and well-to-wheel GHG savings, and a new HVAC system with battery thermal management systems and reversible heat pumps is compliant with Transport for London’s v2.5 and v2.6 specifications.
As regards safety, the new buses are said to offer significant improvements in thermal stability, meeting GB38032-2020 standards, ensuring no fire and no explosion in the event of thermal runaway.
Running costs are up to 70 per cent cheaper than diesel, Wrightbus claims. The manufacturer predicts that it will enjoy a total UK bus market share of 38 per cent in the UK and Ireland by the end of 2026.
Wrightbus CEO Jean-Marc Gales commented: “We have 3,000 zero-emission buses operating every day in the UK and Europe but our engineering team is still pushing continually to improve our vehicles.
“There is some incredibly tough competition in the market but in many ways this is a blessing as it forces everyone to raise their game. Our factory is running at China-speed so we can deliver better efficiency and value to our customers, creating innovative products that exceed operators’ demands and expectations with a TCO better than diesel.
“With the additional improvements we have made to the vehicles, we once again have a class-leading zero emission product that will soon be in operation in numerous towns and cities across the UK.
“And thanks to the close collaboration with our fellow HydraB Group companies, we are able to offer our customers a wider package of support that includes financing and charging infrastructure in addition to the gold-standard maintenance, aftercare and support that we already provide.”
