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Wrightbus, a leading hydrogen bus manufacturer from the UK, unveiled the brand's new flagship on February 20. This is the double-decker Streetdeck Hydroliner Gen 2.0 model, which replaces its predecessor, the world's first hydrogen fuel cell double-decker, which has been in production since 2020.
The new, completely redesigned model has become more economical, has a longer range and a larger passenger capacity. The APC17 Next Gen FCEV project was implemented over 4 years in collaboration with a number of partners: Grayson Thermal Systems, Queen's University, Belfest, Hygen and Translink. The investment amounted to 11,2 million pounds sterling, 50% of which was provided by partners and 50% was grant funds.
The bus is equipped with new hydrogen fuel cells from Ballard and a highly efficient electric powertrain. The range exceeds 480 km, and the refueling time is only 8 minutes. Fuel efficiency is improved by 20%. In addition, the bus is 30% more economical in terms of spare parts for maintenance over 15 years. And at the same time, the passenger capacity of the car has increased by 5%, which also increases the profitability of transportation.
The Streetdeck Hydroliner Gen 2.0 model has received a redesigned front end, which significantly improves the safety of vulnerable road users - pedestrians and cyclists.
In 2025, Wrightbus plans to produce around 1200 buses at its Ballymena, Northern Ireland, plant, a record for the company. For comparison, in 2024, 1016 buses were produced there, the year before last – 623, and in 2022 – 427. This will create up to 1000 new jobs in the supply chain, as well as increase the company’s workforce to 2500.
Last year, 95% of all buses manufactured at the enterprise were zero-emission vehicles. For comparison, in 2019, the same 95% were diesel buses. Today, Wrightbus is actively promoting its products on the German market. And it is no coincidence that its own European service center, All Service One, was recently opened in the German city of Brühl.
First generation model
