The world’s most efficient double deck battery-electric bus is being trialled on the streets of London to demonstrate its zero-emission capabilities.
Bus operator Stagecoach is running the rule over the rapid-charge StreetDeck Electroliner – the first ever EV built by Northern Ireland-based manufacturer Wrightbus.
The bus was launched in 2021 and official tests have revealed it to be the most energy-efficient of its kind on the market.
The vehicle has been on a UK-wide tour to give bus operators and local authorities the chance to see it in action and showcase its capabilities.
The StreetDeck Electroliner is the perfect combination of range and efficiency, maximising power and offering class-leading recharge times.
Jean-Marc Gales, CEO at Wrightbus, said: “We are excited to see the world’s most efficient double deck EV bus being trialled in London once again to show everyone what it is capable of and I am sure passengers will enjoy the experience.
“Innovation is at the core of everything we do and this vehicle brings an interesting new dimension to bus technology, offering transport operators a choice to help address the world’s environmental challenges.
“We’ve created the most efficient vehicle by combining optimum power with a class-leading rapid charge, meaning our electric bus spends more time on the road than any other.
“Wrightbus has a clear plan in place to increase the ease and affordability of zero-emission buses, and our technological prowess places us in a prime position for growth and global expansion.”
Sam Greer, Engineering Director for Stagecoach, said: “We’re proud to be working with Wrightbus in bringing this exciting technology to the streets of London, as we target a fully zero-emissions vehicle fleet by 2035.
“We look forward to putting this bus through its paces, whilst delivering clean air and lower carbon emissions for the citizens of London.”
Official assessments undertaken at UTAC using the ZEMO-accredited Ultra Low Emission Bus (ULEB) test showed that the Electronlier achieved a result of 0.69 kWh/km – around half the energy consumed by its closest BEV double deck UK rival and significantly better than all other BEV single deck bus results published on the ZEMO website.
Not only is it more energy-efficient, but according to ULEB calculations, the StreetDeck Electroliner also produces an impressive 86% less CO2 per km than the ZEMO Euro6 Diesel baseline.
Founded in 1946, Wrightbus has been at the forefront of public transport for more than 75 years and is still based in the heart of Ballymena, Northern Ireland.
It has also been at the forefront of the movement to decarbonise public transport across the UK and Ireland with its world-first hydrogen double deck, the StreetDeck Hydroliner, alongside the Electroliner.
2023 has been hugely successful so far for Wrightbus following a string of new orders including 117 vehicles for First Bus to use across the UK.
The Go-Ahead Group has also recently launched a pioneering fleet of hydrogen fuel cell buses, manufactured by Wrightbus, to carry passengers on routes in the Gatwick Airport.
The single-decker GB Kite Hydroliner buses are able to cover long ranges and carry heavy loads, making them ideal for local routes around Gatwick that are intensively used – operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
