Driventic VEDS electric drive selected for repowering 28 Optare Metrodecker EV buses in London

Driventic has announced that its VEDS electric drive system has been selected for the repowering of 28 Optare Metrodecker EV double-decker buses operated by Metroline in London, as part of a refurbishment programme carried out by Wrightbus subsidiary NewPower and commissioned in November 2025.

According to a press release issued by Driventic on 10 November 2026, the project is being implemented at NewPower’s facility in Bicester, Oxfordshire, and represents the company’s first electric-to-electric repowering programme. Unlike conventional diesel-to-electric conversions, the intervention involves replacing major components of buses already equipped with battery-electric drivetrains.

Driventic states that the programme includes the replacement of the existing axles, electric powertrain, battery systems and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) equipment. New battery systems will be supplied by CATL, while Grayson will provide the HVAC equipment. Driventic’s VEDS system has been selected for the upgraded electric drivetrain.

Driventic has operated as an independent company since 1 November 2025, following the separation of the commercial vehicle drivetrain activities of Voith Turbo.

NewPower to replace batteries, axles and HVAC systems

The refurbishment programme covers 28 Optare Metrodecker EV double-deckers, with NewPower responsible for the integration of the new components at its Bicester facility. According to Driventic, the intervention includes replacement of the electric drivetrain and axles, installation of new CATL battery systems and new HVAC equipment supplied by Grayson.

The new electric propulsion system will be based on Driventic’s VEDS technology. The manufacturer has not specified which VEDS variant will be installed, nor whether the project will use the recently introduced VEDS 2.2. The latter VEDS 2.2 electric drive system was introduced by Driventic in July 2026 for heavy-duty buses, electric coaches, medium-duty trucks and retrofit applications. The system combines an EVO 390 high-speed electric motor, a newly developed inverter and a single-stage planetary gearbox in a compact unit weighing 275 kg. It also incorporates an electrically driven oil pump for lubrication and cooling of the motor and gearbox.

Driventic VEDS and NewPower

The Metroline contract is NewPower’s first project involving the replacement of an existing electric powertrain with a new electric propulsion system. The company, part of the Wrightbus group, is carrying out the work on buses already operating with battery-electric technology rather than converting diesel vehicles to electric propulsion.

According to the information released by Driventic, the programme covers several major vehicle systems, including traction, energy storage, axles and climate control. The existing vehicle bodies are retained as part of the refurbishment.

In brief

• How many electric buses are being refurbished?
  NewPower is upgrading 28 Optare Metrodecker EV double-deckers operated by Metroline in London.
• Which components will be replaced?
  The programme covers axles, electric powertrains, battery systems and HVAC equipment.
• Who are the technology suppliers?
  According to Driventic, the suppliers are Driventic for the VEDS electric drive, CATL for the batteries and Grayson for the HVAC equipment.
• Where is the repowering programme taking place?
  At NewPower’s facility in Bicester, Oxfordshire, UK.

John McLeister, Managing Director Sales at Wrightbus Group, said in the statement distributed by Driventic: “In the repowering of the Metrodecker EV fleet, we install only gold-standard equipment such as Driventic’s VEDS electric drive system to ensure maximum sustained performance and efficiency.”

Florian Rehm, Key Account Manager at Driventic, stated: “Electric bus technology continues to evolve rapidly, and repowering provides an important opportunity to bring existing vehicles forward with the latest available technology. We are delighted that NewPower has selected VEDS for this significant program. It is a strong example of how our technology can support the next stage of an electric vehicle’s operational life, while working alongside leading partners across the wider supply chain. We look forward to seeing these vehicles return to service and demonstrating the benefits that a comprehensive repowering program can deliver for operators.”