Rightech RB6 electric minibus from Wrightbus makes promising debut in German trials

A new electric minibus launched by Rightech, the electric vehicle mobility brand from Northern Ireland manufacturer Wrightbus, has successfully completed its first on-road testing in Germany.

The RB6 model was trialled by leading German public transport operator Ruhrbahn Essen on several routes as part of its evaluation of zero-emission transport solutions.

The trial marked the European debut of the RB6, a compact, fully electric, low-floor minibus designed for urban and neighbourhood routes. It was deployed on bus lines 182/192 and 190 across Werden, Fischlaken and Heidhausen – a region known for its hilly terrain that poses a unique challenge for electric vehicles.

The RB6, which measures just under six metres in length and slightly over two metres in width, is capable of transporting up to 22 passengers, including 12 seated and one wheelchair user. Both the passenger cabin and driver’s compartment are fully air-conditioned, with climate controls managed by the driver.

With a range of approximately 180 km, the vehicle was charged at a local fuelling station in Essen during the testing phase. For insurance purposes, no passengers were carried during this initial trial.

According to Rightech, the RB6 has been engineered specifically for smaller, more challenging routes in urban environments. Erhan Eran, European Bus Managing Director at Rightech, said:

“The RB6 is designed for smaller routes such as the ones it has been tested on by Ruhrbahn Essen. It is agile, reliable, has a high battery range and above all offers a great way to help operators transition from diesel buses to a zero-emission fleet to improve air quality in towns and cities across Europe.

Initial feedback has been largely positive, with praise for passenger comfort, seat layout, and wheelchair user space, as well as good handling even when turning. We’re looking forward to continuing our conversations with Ruhrbahn Essen as it decarbonises its fleet.”

Project manager at Ruhrbahn, Jörg Wentscher, echoed the importance of vehicle performance in the region’s demanding terrain:

“The RB6 is now the second electric vehicle we’ve tested here in Werden and the surrounding area. The hilly terrain in this region presents significant technical challenges for these buses. Now, the RB6 must demonstrate how well its materials perform – and especially how it lives up to its stated range – in order to potentially be used in regular route service.”

The RB6 is the first vehicle to launch under the Rightech brand, which was unveiled earlier this year as part of Wrightbus’s commitment to delivering affordable electric mobility across the UK and Europe. The company is seeking to rapidly accelerate the electrification of commercial fleets.

Wrightbus CEO Jean-Marc Gales commented at the launch:

“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.”

To support adoption across Europe and the UK, all Rightech vehicles are covered by a comprehensive Wrightbus warranty and maintenance package. In the UK, support is strengthened by a new service agreement with Sapphire, adding 14 regional workshops to Wrightbus’s existing locations in Ballymena, Bicester, and Warwick.

On the continent, four Letters of Intent (LOIs) have been signed with service providers in Germany, France and the Benelux region. These are supported by a dedicated Wrightbus European service headquarters located in Brühl.

As Europe’s cities move towards cleaner, more sustainable transport networks, the Rightech RB6 trial in Essen represents an encouraging step forward for both urban mobility and zero-emission fleet development.

Further trials and evaluations are anticipated as operators across the continent seek reliable, accessible alternatives to traditional diesel fleets.