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Wrightbus launches rapid charge double-deck bus
Wrightbus has unveiled the latest addition to its zero-emission arsenal – a rapid charge electric double-deck bus.
Named the StreetDeck Electroliner, the bus is the first electric vehicle from Wrightbus and utilises a French battery pack that delivers 454kW and a 200 mile range. The Electroliner will recharge in two hours 45 minutes and is able to cope with all routes, whether urban or rural.
Batteries are also efficiently stored around the bus to ensure passenger capacity comfort is not compromised.
Wrightbus has unveiled its latest zero-emission vehicle, a rapid charge electric double-deck bus / Picture: Wrightbus
Founded in 1946, Wrightbus is still based in the heart of Ballymena, Northern Ireland. Rescued from administration by green entrepreneur Jo Bamford in October 2019, the company is going from strength to strength, also launching a world-first hydrogen bus, as well as an advanced telematics system to give real-time updates on performance, maintenance and CO2 savings.
Buta Atwal, chief executive officer of Wrightbus, said: “We have gained a strong reputation for our hydrogen double-deck but we want to lead the world in zero-emissions full stop.
“We haven’t weighed the bus down with a high battery volume just so we can say it’s got the most power or range; instead, we want to be the most efficient vehicle on the road so we’ve combined optimum power with a class-leading rapid charge meaning our electric bus spends more time on the road than any other.”
The company’s hydrogen-powered bus is already in operation in Aberdeen, London, Belfast and Dublin, and there is growing interest for all its zero-emissions offerings from around the globe. The company is in discussions with operators from the USA, Australia, South America and the Far East.