Wrightbus unveils its most efficient zero-emission bus yet: the Generation 2 Electroliner
- Love Ballymena
- 8 hours ago
- 4 min read
Ballymena-based manufacturer Wrightbus has launched its most efficient battery electric bus to date, marking another major step in the company’s drive to decarbonise public transport.
The new Generation 2 Electroliner boasts significant improvements in range, charging speed, battery life and efficiency — the result of a multi-million-pound in-house battery development programme.
The cutting-edge model is already being hailed as a market leader, with Wrightbus confirming that more than 900 units have been sold in advance. The company expects to have almost 1,100 Generation 2 Electroliners — a mix of single-deck Electroliner Kite and double-deck StreetDeck models — on UK and Irish roads by the end of 2026.
With running costs up to 70% lower than diesel, Wrightbus forecasts a 38% share of the UK and Ireland bus market by the same date.
A leap forward in performance and sustainability
Customers will benefit from an 11% saving on Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) thanks to major technological advances. The single-deck Kite offers a choice between two ultra-efficient CATL batteries — 528kWh or a bespoke 442kWh — while the double-deck StreetDeck features the 442kWh configuration.
These compact, lightweight batteries enhance both power and efficiency, with range extended to 375 miles for the Kite and 275 miles for the StreetDeck. Charging times have been reduced by more than half, taking just 75 minutes to reach full charge.
Battery warranties have also been increased to up to 15 years, underlining the company’s confidence in its in-house technology.
CEO praises engineering excellence
Wrightbus CEO Jean-Marc Gales commended the company’s engineers for continuing to set new industry standards.
“We have 3,000 zero-emission buses operating every day in the UK and Europe but our engineering team is still pushing continually to improve our vehicles,” he said proudly.
“There is some incredibly tough competition in the market but in many ways this is a blessing as it forces everyone to raise their game. Our factory is running at China-speed so we can deliver better efficiency and value to our customers, creating innovative products that exceed operators’ demands and expectations with a TCO better than diesel.
“With the additional improvements we have made to the vehicles, we once again have a class-leading zero-emission product that will soon be in operation in numerous towns and cities across the UK.”
Advanced technology and improved safety
The Generation 2 Electroliner also features a new Voith VEDS1.5 Driveline for greater efficiency and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. A new HVAC system with battery thermal management and reversible heat pumps meets TfL v2.5 and v2.6 standards.
Safety has been a top priority, with the buses offering enhanced thermal stability and compliance with GB38032-2020, ensuring “no fire and no explosion” in the event of thermal runaway.
Supporting operators from start to finish
Founded in 1946, Wrightbus now employs 2,300 staff across its operations, with a further 7,500 jobs supported in its supply chain. The company has diversified rapidly, manufacturing not only hydrogen and battery-electric buses but also diesel models and repowering services through its NewPower facility in Bicester.
“Wrightbus has grown enormously in the last few years,” added Mr Gales.
“We no longer just make buses – we provide the entire transport ecosystem and infrastructure for operators so they can relax knowing the whole lifecycle of the vehicle is supported from start to finish.”
Thanks to collaboration with other HydraB Group companies, Wrightbus now provides financing, charging infrastructure, and aftercare support, offering a full-service package to fleet operators.
Technical summary
Single-deck Electroliner Kite:
Range: up to 375 miles
Battery options: 528kWh or 442kWh
Charging time: 75–90 minutes
Double-deck Electroliner StreetDeck:
Range: 275 miles
Battery: 442kWh
Charging time: 75 minutes at 380kW
Battery warranty: up to 15 years
Running cost savings: up to 70% vs diesel
TCO savings: 11%
Further technical information
Improved usable battery capacity with weight savings to maximise vehicle efficiency, representing a major step up from the previous generation.
Next-Gen Voith VEDS Electric Driveline, delivering additional efficiency gains and well-to-wheel greenhouse gas savings.
Non-intrusive battery warranty allowing up to 1.94 GWh gross energy throughput, a level highly unlikely to be reached before the warranty term.
150 kW CCS 2.0 plug-in fast-charge as standard, with a 300 kW option available via a fast-charge box.
High part commonality between double-deck and single-deck variants, using identical battery technology and driveline for easier maintenance.
Fully integrated bus body and chassis ensure exceptional structural integrity, guaranteeing the vehicle structure for its 15-year design life.
Vastly improved thermal stability, compliant with GB38032-2020, guaranteeing no fire and no explosion in the event of thermal runaway.
Likely to exceed its 15-year warranty life, thanks to LFP cell capacity stabilising when the State of Health drops below 70%.
Built using proven chassis components from Tier 1 suppliers including Voith, WABCO and ZF.
Complete EV traction system and diagnostic tools provided from a single supplier.
Exceeds PSVAR 2000 requirements with a fully flat saloon floor, increasing seating availability for passengers with reduced mobility.