British bus manufacturer, Wrightbus, has reconfirmed plans to expand its coach portfolio with a new zero-emission hydrogen coach expected to launch in the next 18 months.
The tri-axle hydrogen fuel cell electric coach is currently under development in Ballymena, Northern Ireland. It is expected to have a range of approximately 1,000 km (621 miles), remaining competitive with traditional diesel-fuelled coaches.
The launch will follow Wrightbus’ recent move to re-enter the coach market with its Contour model. Notably, Bus Éireann has already ordered 39 Contour coaches for urban and school operations in Ireland.
As part of its hydrogen-development path, Wrightbus has partnered with fuel-cell system supplier Symbio, which supplied four 75 kW StackPacks for its 300kw hydrogen coach demonstrator at Cenex Expo last year.
The hydrogen coach would enable Wrightbus to offer a zero-emission long-distance coach solution, potentially filling a gap in markets where battery-electric coaches have limited range or long recharge times.
Read more about Wrightbus’ long-term plans here, following an interview with Wrightbus CEO Jean-Marc Gales.
