An electric minibus launched recently by Rightech – the new electric vehicle mobility brand from Wrightbus – has been trialled for the first time on roads in Germany.
Ruhrbahn Essen has tested the RB6 on neighbourhood bus lines 182/192 and 190 in Werden, Fischlaken, and Heidhausen as the German operator looked to see how it performed for reliability, range, and technical requirements.
For insurance reasons, no passengers were carried during the test.
The RB6 is a fully low-floor, accessible minibus, measuring 5.99 metres in length, 2.80 metres in height, and 2.06 metres in width – making it extremely compact.
It can accommodate up to 22 people, including 12 seated passengers and one wheelchair space, and both the passenger area and the driver’s cabin are air-conditioned, with temperature settings adjustable by the driver.
The RB6 has a range of about 180km and was charged during the trial at a fuelling station in Essen.
Erhan Eran, Rightech’s European Bus Managing Director, 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.”
