Wrightbus has launched a new enterprise, NewPower, that offers repowering services to replace diesel engines with electric powertrains.
NewPower has moved into a hi-tech factory in Bicester, Oxfordshire. The new enterprise aims to accelerate decarbonisation by enabling operators to eradicate diesel powertrains at a lower cost than purchasing new buses.
Through this initiative, Wrightbus has become the first OEM to offer a re-powering service. It will leverage its 1,800-strong workforce to swap diesel powertrains for electric drives. In addition, NewPower has recruited senior hires from across the automotive world, including people who have worked for Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations, BMW and McLaren.
This conversion process can take as little as three weeks. Wrightbus has space to work on six buses simultaneously, thus providing the potential to decarbonise 500 buses a year.
“While we are selling new hydrogen and battery-electric buses all over the world there is a huge market of mid-life buses which, once converted, can have an immediate impact on helping to improve air quality in towns and cities up and down the UK.
“We have long been recognised as the world-leading manufacturer of both hydrogen and battery-electric buses and now NewPower will add another string to our bow.”
