A new hydrogen-fuelled, zero-emission double-decker bus has been launched by Northern Ireland-based Wrightbus.
The vehicle, which uses a hydrogen fuel cell driveline from Wrightbus, will be ready to go into production next year at the company's County Antrim factory where more than 1900 people work.
The new system combines the hydrogen fuel cell with a battery pack to power the vehicle, making the continuous daily operation of a bus feasible.
All Wrightbus hydrogen-fuel-cell vehicles will feature an electric drive axle that allows a flat floor throughout the bus. They also feature a zero-emission heating and cooling system, the ability for overnight charging if needed and remote diagnostic systems.
But the Wrightbus manufacturer1,900 people at its European manufacturing facilities in County Antrim says the key elements are the lightweight hydrogen storage tanks and the automatic battery management system which continuously monitors and balances the stored power while the bus is in service.
Dr William Wright CBE, co-founder and director of Wrights Group, said: 'This vehicle joins the recently launched StreetAir EV and brings an interesting new dimension to zero-emission bus technology offering transport operators a responsible choice to help address the world's environmental challenges'
Wrights Group chairman and chief executive officer Mark Nodder OBE, said: 'This exciting new zero-emissions driveline technology, developed with support from our partner Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC), is the pinnacle of our on-going work to deliver highly innovative buses with the best possible fuel consumption and environmental credentials that are supported throughout a long and productive operational life'
The project was part-funded by the APC under a grant for common platforms and assembly methods for ultra-low-emission buses.
