UK - Wtightbus Unveils Next Generation Hydrogen Bus22 Feb 2025 09:23
Wrightbus unveils new flagship hydrogen bus: “A like for like replacement for diesel” 🇬🇧🚌⚡️
Wrightbus has just unveiled the next generation of its hydrogen double-decker, the Streetdeck Hydroliner Gen 2.0, calling it a true diesel replacement – only without the diesel, obviously.
This latest evolution of the UK-built fuel-cell bus promises better efficiency, longer range, lower costs, and increased passenger capacity over its predecessor, which was the world’s first hydrogen double-decker when it launched in 2020.
It’s also easier to maintain and features a redesigned front end aimed at improving safety for vulnerable road users. Riveting stuff.
Faster, cheaper, further
At the heart of the Next Gen Hydroliner is a new Ballard fuel cell and an upgraded electric traction system, part of an £11.2 million R&D effort, co-funded by the UK government’s Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC).
Wrightbus says the new powertrain delivers a 20% cut in fuel costs and a 30% reduction in maintenance expenses over 15 years, while increasing passenger capacity by 5% – translating to more revenue potential for operators.
Crucially, refuelling takes just eight minutes, while range extends beyond 300 miles – more than enough for a full day of expertly asserting right of way.
Those figures aren’t just ‘close enough’ to diesel performance, says Wrightbus – they are diesel performance – but with none of the emissions.
Wrightbus has also cut the upfront purchase cost, making the Gen 2.0 even more attractive against its diesel and battery-electric counterparts.
The project brought together Grayson Thermal Systems, Queen’s University Belfast, HYGEN, and Translink, with a focus on scaling up UK hydrogen bus manufacturing.
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