Northern Irish bus manufacturer Wrightbus has completed the delivery of 31 hydrogen fuel cell buses to Regionalverkehr Köln (RVK), marking its first deployment of such vehicles in Europe. The buses, ordered in May 2022, are undergoing final testing before commencing operations in the Cologne region.
Wrightbus has also established a European service center in Brühl, strategically located within RVK’s operating area. This facility is set to provide maintenance and support for the RVK buses and other orders Wrightbus has secured, including those from Saarbahn, Vestische, Cottbusverkehr, and West Verkehr. The Brühl center is also envisioned as a hub for servicing future deployments in France and the Benelux region.
The delivery represents a significant milestone for Wrightbus as the company advances its efforts to expand into continental Europe. The manufacturer has described the RVK project as one of its most technically challenging undertakings to date. To bolster its European operations, Wrightbus is actively recruiting personnel across the region to support the rollout and maintenance of its hydrogen-powered fleet.
The new buses are part of RVK’s strategy to transition to more sustainable public transportation solutions, reinforcing the potential of hydrogen as a clean alternative for urban mobility.
