Wrightbus’s first double-decker electric ‘low bridge’ buses will launch in Leicester next month.
These new vehicles have been designed to drive under low bridges while providing zero-emission transportation.
The 22 Streetdeck Electroliners will be operated by Arriva and will be the city’s first electric double-decker vehicles.
Each bus will be able to carry around 90 passengers over a range of 200 miles on a single charge.
They have a recharging time of 2 hours 45 minutes and are equipped with digital customer information screens and USB charging points.
Jean-Marc Gales, CEO of Wrightbus, said:We are delighted to be partnering with Arriva once again in accelerating its investment in the electrification of its bus fleet and in the drive to zero-emission public transport in the industry. This represents another significant deal for the business as we remain at the forefront of new and exciting technology.
The first of the new vehicles was delivered to Leicester for driver training in September, prior to the start of passenger services in October.
Meanwhile, work is being completed at Arriva’s Thurmaston depot to install chargers and infrastructure for the battery-electric fleet.
Alistair Hands, Managing Director for Arriva, said:Welcoming the new Wrightbus electric fleet into Leicester is a game-changing moment in our continued drive to operating a greener, decarbonised bus network.
We are delighted to have worked in partnership with Wrightbus and Leicester City Council to have been able to make this happen.
