Wrightbus introduces new generation Electroliner featuring CATL LFP batteries and Voith VEDS1.5 driveline

Northern Irish bus manufacturer Wrightbus has officially launched the second-generation Electroliner battery-electric bus. According to UK trade media Bus-news, the new model delivers a longer range, faster charging, improved heating and cooling, extended battery life, and a longer warranty, with operators expected to achieve an estimated 11% reduction in total cost of ownership compared with the first generation.

Wrightbus has recently landed a partnership with Kazenmaier to offer leasing solutions for zero-emission buses in Germany, where the company has been delivered fuel cell buses in Heinsberg and, most of all, Cologne. The manufacturer expects +1,200 buses produced in 2025, +20% on 2024. Also this year, Wrightbus has secured a £150 million finance package from HSBC UK to support its growth plans.

Now, Bus-news reports that “More than 900 Generation 2 vehicles have already been sold, and the company expects almost 1,100 to be in service across the UK and Ireland by the end of 2026”.

Wrightbus launches new generation Electroliner

The new range includes the single-deck Electroliner Kite and the double-deck StreetDeck Electroliner, both equipped with the new Voith VEDS1.5 driveline (now labeled as Driventic) and the latest CATL battery packs through an exclusive initial agreement with the manufacturer. The latest is quite a news as Wrightbus has been previously relying on Forsee Power NMC batteries with slim design, since 2021.

The single-deck bus offers a choice of 528kWh or 442kWh batteries and can travel up to 375 miles on a single charge, while the double-deck model uses a 442kWh unit for a range of around 275 miles. Charging times have been cut to just 75 minutes at 380kW, with a 15-year battery warranty.

Wrightbus CEO Jean-Marc Gales is quoted as saying: “We have 3,000 zero-emission buses operating every day in the UK and Europe, but our engineering team is still pushing continually to improve our vehicles. Our factory is running at China-speed. Thanks to the close collaboration with our fellow HydraB Group companies, we are able to offer our customers a wider package of support that includes financing and charging infrastructure in addition to the gold-standard maintenance, aftercare and support that we already provide.”