Northern Irish bus manufacturer Wrightbus has introduced the second generation of its hydrogen-powered double-decker bus, the Streetdeck Hydroliner, featuring improved efficiency, increased passenger capacity, and lower operating costs.
Wrightbus, which launched the first generation of the Streetdeck Hydroliner in 2020, said the latest model has been completely redesigned over a four-year development period. The company claims the new bus offers a range of more than 300 miles (482 km) and can be refueled in eight minutes, making it a viable alternative to diesel-powered buses.
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“Alongside our market-leading EV bus, 95% of all buses produced by Wrightbus at our Ballymena factory are now zero emissions – a marked change from 2019, when 95% of all orders were for diesels. We are truly leading the charge to net zero,” said Wrightbus CEO Jean-Marc Gales.
The manufacturer has yet to disclose full technical specifications but said the second-generation model would cut fuel costs by 20% compared to its predecessor, with maintenance costs over 15 years expected to be up to 30% lower. Passenger capacity has increased by 5%, enhancing revenue potential for operators. Wrightbus noted that the new model is also priced lower than the previous version.
The updated Streetdeck Hydroliner continues to feature a fuel cell from Ballard Power Systems and an electric traction system. It is unclear whether German supplier Voith, which provided the electric drive for the first generation, remains involved.
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The redesign also includes improved accessibility for maintenance, reducing servicing time and costs. Safety enhancements include a revised front section designed to offer better protection for pedestrians and cyclists.
Wrightbus aims to scale up production at its Ballymena facility, targeting an output of 1,200 buses in 2025 and 1,400 in 2026. The expansion is expected to create up to 1,000 jobs in the supply chain, increasing the company’s total workforce to 2,500 employees.
“We will support 7,200 supply chain jobs by 2026. But to continue with our ambitious trajectory, we need to ensure our suppliers are building alongside us for growth and success now. We need to remain ahead of the curve,” Gales said.
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In addition to the hydrogen-powered Streetdeck Hydroliner, Wrightbus also produces the battery-electric Streetdeck Electroliner and the single-deck GB Kite models, available in both hydrogen fuel cell and battery-electric variants.