Wrightbus’ new enterprise, NewPower, has secured its first order to repower 32 First Bus vehicles.
With this enterprise, Wrightbus is the first OEM to offer a repowering service to convert diesel buses into electric vehicles. This initiative can help accelerate decarbonisation by removing diesel powertrains at a significantly lower price than purchasing a new bus.
At the outset of this project, says Bus News, First Bus collaborated with Wrightbus by providing two initial vehicles to trial and perfect the technology.
Following the successful conversion of the first two diesel vehicles, First Bus has now ordered a further thirty buses to have their diesel engines replaced with new zero-emission electric powertrains. This conversion will take place at NewPower’s hi-tech Bicester factory in Oxfordshire.
Wrightbus CEO, Jean-Marc Gales, said:
“At Wrightbus, we already have a positive relationship with First Bus, having supplied them with numerous zero-emission buses over recent years. That’s why it’s particularly satisfying to receive NewPower’s first order from them. By using the expertise of our 1,800-strong Wrightbus workforce – including our master technicians – NewPower has unrivalled expertise in being able to swap powertrains.
“Once back in service, the repowered buses will have an immediate impact on reducing pollution and improving air quality in the towns and cities in which they operate.”
(Pic – WrightBus)
