Zero emission bus firm Wrightbus has revealed four new EV products to offer affordable options for operators to decarbonise their fleets.
The products include two trucks – a 7.5 tonne in left-hand and right-hand drive – and two buses – a 6m and a 9m.
These vehicles will be launched under the Ballymena company’s new Rightech brand, with the aim of selling across the UK, Ireland and Europe.
Rightech has already secured orders across the target territories, it announced. All new products will be supported by a Wrightbus warranty, service and maintenance package, comprising the largest fleet of mobile technicians in the UK.
It has also struck a service agreement with Sapphire for the UK, adding 14 regional workshops to the existing three operated by Wrightbus – Ballymena, Bicester and Warwick.
For Europe, Rightech has signed four deals with service providers in Germany, France and Benelux, in addition to the Wrightbus regional service headquarters in Brühl.
Ryze Power will also provide charging infrastructure and expertise, with W-Tech, the technology and research centre set up by Wrightbus in conjunction with Queen’s University Belfast, will help bus and truck operators optimise routes for ultimate efficiency within the fleet.
Wrightbus and Ryze Power owner Jo Bamford said:
“Given the very tangible effects of climate change on our planet there’s simply no time to waste,” he explained pointedly.
“Each one of my businesses is focused on energy transition, from vehicles, hydrogen and sustainable fuels through to supply, distribution and infrastructure. But operators need to act now with affordable solutions in front of them. Rightech has the answer – offering an incredible product with the backing of Britain’s best bus manufacturer.”
Jean-Marc Gales said:
“The quickest way to decarbonise truck and bus fleets is to electrify immediately. Rightech will solve these problems, backed by our portfolio of net-zero companies – supplying everything from product to infrastructure – which will provide more jobs and opportunities for our workforce in Northern Ireland, the rest of the UK and Europe.”
A spokesperson for Sapphire said:
“Our aim is to help the transport industry drive carbon reduction with this partnership, integrating electrified transport initiatives into existing innovative solutions and services to support those fleets making the imperative transition to alternative fuel vehicle operating profiles.”
Image courtesy of Wrightbus
This year will see the Transport and Energy’s inaugural Fleet Electrification Forum event, which will unite transport and energy professionals, and help accelerate decarbonisation of fleets across both the public and private sectors.
