Wrightbus expands zero-emission portfolio with short buses (by King Long)

Wrightbus is introducing new 6m and 9m electric buses and 7.5-tonne trucks in its portfolio. Buses are produced by Chinese King Long are fitting a new Wrightbus’ brand named Rightech.

Short buses and truck will be available in both left-hand and right-hand drive configurations.

Wrightbus expects +1,200 buses produced in 2025, that would be marking a +20% on a record-breaking 2024.

Wrightbus launchese 6 and 9-meter King Long buses

As mentioned above, the electric buses are manufactured in collaboration with the Chinese producer King Long, with Wrightbus overseeing the specification and fitting of key components in the UK. This ensures that the vehicles meet local standards.

The manufacturer underlines that “All new products will be supported by a Wrightbus warranty, service and maintenance package, comprising the largest fleet of mobile technicians in the UK. Rightech has also struck a service agreement with Sapphire for the UK, adding 14 regional workshops to the existing three operated by Wrightbus – 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”.

Wrightbus CEO Jean-Marc Gales said: “Wrightbus has been flying the flag for zero emissions long before anyone else. Our hydrogen double-decker was the world’s first and we have 1,700 electric buses on the road, covering millions of miles across the UK and Europe with an in-service availability of 98.6%. 43% of every Wrightbus comes from suppliers in the UK. It directly employs more than 2,200 people in the UK with a further 6,600 jobs in the supply chain. This trend will continue”.