Wrightbus nears completion of first hydrogen buses for continental Europe

UK bus manufacturer Wrightbus announced through a Linkedin post it is in the final stages of completing its first batch of left-hand-drive single-deck hydrogen buses, known as the Kite Hydroliner, destined for Germany and adhering to full VDV compliance. In May 2022 Wrightbus secured an order from RVK Cologne for 20 fixed and 40 optional hydrogen buses.

Wrightbus aiming to boost export of zero emission buses

In June 2023 Wrightbus has been awarded £50 million to boost exports of electric and hydrogen-powered buses (destination: Europe, Germany in particular, and North America) supported by a loan guarantee from the UK’s export credit agency. Wrightbus generated 27% of its revenues from exports in 2022 and seeks to grow this by nearly a fifth by the end of 2023 thanks in part to the UK government’s support.

The buses come equipped with stated range of 1,030 kilometers, a fully flat saloon floor, rapid refueling in under 8 minutes, and are crafted “using key components from tier 1 global suppliers”.

Jean-Marc Gales, CEO of Wrightbus, shared, “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. These buses are further evidence of the leading role we are playing on the global stage in tackling climate change through sustainable transport”.