Wrightbus has unveiled four new EV products, providing options for operators to instantly decarbonise their fleets.
Two trucks, a 7.5 tonne in left-hand and right-hand drive, and two buses – a 6m and a 9m – 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 for the vehicles, which will be supported by a Wrightbus warranty, service and maintenance package.
The business has also struck a service agreement with Sapphire for the UK, adding 14 regional workshops to the existing three operated by Wrightbus – in Ballymena, Bicester and Warwick.
For Europe, Rightech has signed four LOIs with service providers in Germany, France and Benelux, in addition to the Wrightbus regional service headquarters in Brühl.
Ryze Power will provide charging infrastructure and expertise, while 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.
A strategic framework agreement with two Chinese manufacturers provides the basis for the new products, though Wrightbus engineers have spent more than 30,000 hours independently testing, homologating, designing and validating every element.
Jean-Marc Gales, Wrightbus CEO, said, “Our factory continues to increase production of full-size single and double-deck buses but to meet demand in the zero-emission midi-bus sector this partnership makes sense.
“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 which will provide more jobs and opportunities for our workforce in Northern Ireland, the rest of the UK and Europe.”
