British bus manufacturer, Wrightbus, has launched the second generation of its Electroliner battery-electric bus, offering enhanced efficiency, safety and cost-effectiveness.
The Generation 2 Electroliner follows a multi-million-pound research and development programme by the Ballymena-based manufacturer. It features a longer range, faster charging times, extended battery life, improved heating and cooling systems, and a longer warranty period. Crucially, Wrightbus reports that customers should gain an estimated 11 percent reduction in total cost of ownership (TCO) compared to the fist generation.
This new Electroliner is now officially recognised as the world’s most efficient electric bus. With Wrightbus having previously set the record in 2022 with the first generation of its Electroliner model, the benchmark was surpassed by Alexander Dennis’ Enviro400EV in 2024. Now, Wrightbus has sucessfully taken back the title.
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. Production of the new buses is therefore in full swing at Wrightbus’ Ballymena factory.
The new buses will be available in two formats: the single-deck Electroliner Kite and the double-deck StreetDeck Electroliner. Wrightbus forecasts that the improved efficiency and lower running costs will contribute to its target of securing around 38 percent of the UK and Irish bus market by 2026.
The Generation 2 Electroliner uses the latest CATL battery packs, with Wrightbus securing an initial exclusivity deal through its partnership woth CATL. The single-deck version can be fitted with either a 528kWh or 442kWh battery, while the double-deck model uses the 442kWh unit. Both are designed to save space and reduce weight while maximising power and efficiency.
The single-deck Electroliner Kite can achieve a range of up to 375 miles, while the double-deck StreetDeck can travel around 275 miles on a single charge. Charging times have been reduced to as little as 75 minutes at 380kW, and the battery warranty extends 15 years.
Additional upgrades include the new Voith VEDS1.5 driveline, offering greater drivetrain efficiency and reduced well-to-wheel greenhouse gas emissions. A revised HVAC system also integrates battery thermal management and reversible heat pumps for the stringent Transport for London v2.5 and v2.6 standards.
Safety enhancements have also been implemented, with the new buses meeting GB38032-2020 requirements for thermal stability, thus ensuring resistance to fire and explosion in the event of thermal runaway. Notably, the new CATL batteries use LFP, rather than NMC battery chemistry, delivering greater safety, a longer lifespan, and a more environmentally friendly composition.
Wrightbus CEO Jean-Marc Gales said: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.
There is some incredibly tough competition in the market but in many ways this is a blessing as it forces everyone to raise their game. Our factory is running at China-speed so we can deliver better efficiency and value to our customers, creating innovative products that exceed operators’ demands and expectations with a TCO better than diesel.
With the additional improvements we have made to the vehicles, we once again have a class-leading zero emission product that will soon be in operation in numerous towns and cities across the UK.
And 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.
Read more about Wrightbus’ long-term plans here.
