First Bus has placed an order with NewPower – an enterprise launched earlier this year by Wrightbus – that converts diesel buses into zero-emission electric vehicles.
Following the successful conversion of an initial two of its diesel vehicles, the bus operator has now ordered a further thirty buses that will now have their diesel engines replaced with new zero-emission electric powertrains at NewPower’s Bicester factory.
Collectively, when the 32 repowered Zero Emission Buses enter service, they will eliminate tailpipe emissions equivalent to 2,100 tonnes of CO₂ annually.
The 32 repowered buses will be introduced over the next few months in areas with existing EV infrastructure in Portsmouth, Norwich, Bramley (Leeds), Leicester and Aberdeen; joining a growing EV fleet of more than 600 vehicles already serving customers across the First Bus UK network.
NewPower converts diesel buses into electric for less than half of the price of a new electric bus, extending their lifespan by six to nine years in the process.
Repowers can be completed by skilled engineers in as little as three weeks.
The process includes the removal of the engine, gearbox, fuel tank, radiator and other components, before the installation of the new EV batteries and electric drive system.
The old diesel parts are then recycled.
Faizan Ahmad, First Bus’ Decarbonisation Programme Director, said, “We’ve partnered with the NewPower team from the outset of this initiative and are proud to be a driving force in the zero-emission space once again with another innovative solution.
“We are committed to achieving a fully electric bus fleet by 2035, and repower technology has the potential to be a real game-changer in helping us reach that goal as well as benefiting the wider bus industry as we work to decarbonise the sector.”
