Wrightbus Company Overview
Wrightbus is an Ireland-based manufacturer in Electric Buses and Vans, serving public transport operators moving toward lower-emission fleets. Its battery-electric Electroliner range and hydrogen-powered Hydroliner range give operators two routes for cleaner bus services. Go-Ahead Group and Translink are named among organisations linked with these product lines. Wrightbus also supports fleet conversion through NewPower, which adapts selected StreetDeck, Gemini 2, and New Routemaster buses for battery-electric operation. Bus remanufacturing adds another option for established fleets, helping buyers weigh new buses against conversion work when planning cleaner urban transport.
Manufacturer Description
Wrightbus gives public transport operators two cleaner routes
Wrightbus develops battery-electric and hydrogen-powered buses for operators planning lower-emission fleets. Its main appeal comes from offering two power routes for demanding public transport work. The Electroliner and Hydroliner ranges support that approach. Go-Ahead Group and Translink have shown interest in Wrightbus products.
That wider focus covers new buses, hydrogen supply, and electric conversion. Fleet planners can therefore consider vehicle choice alongside depot and fuel planning. The strategy suits operators preparing a staged transition rather than a single technology decision.
Battery and hydrogen programs carry practical implications
Battery buses suit operators planning electric depots and established charging routines. Hydrogen provides another route for fleets assessing fuel-cell transport.
Wrightbus announced a green hydrogen plant in Ballymena with Hygen Energy in February 2023. Planned output could supply up to 300 buses daily. Future expansion could raise production threefold.
The project received the first UK share of the £37.9m UK Net Zero Hydrogen Fund. That award arrived in March 2023.
Government funding also supports a hydrogen fuel-cell bus powertrain project. Funding reached up to £534,000 through the Advanced Propulsion Centre fund. The project serves as a technology demonstrator. Buyers should separate development work from established fleet capability.
NewPower gives selected diesel buses an electric route
NewPower launched in June 2024 at the former Arrival Bus factory in Bicester, Oxfordshire. Its purpose involves converting selected Wrightbus diesel buses into battery-electric vehicles.
- Supported models include StreetDeck, Gemini 2, and New Routemaster.
- Conversion replaces diesel equipment with a Voith electric drive system.
- NMC batteries and a Grayson HVAC system form part of the package.
- Work can take three weeks, with six conversions handled concurrently.
A nearby remanufacturing facility handles interior and exterior refurbishment after conversion. Fleet owners can consider conversion alongside new electric bus procurement.
Which customers should keep Wrightbus among their options?
Wrightbus suits public transport operators planning battery, hydrogen, or mixed lower-emission fleets. It also suits owners seeking electric conversion for selected existing buses.
Buyers should examine charging access, hydrogen supply, depot layouts, and project maturity before choosing. The demonstrator remains development work. NewPower focuses on defined Wrightbus models.
Keep Wrightbus among the options when renewal includes infrastructure planning and asset conversion. Operators seeking one simple technology path may prefer a narrower supplier strategy.
