Wrightbus receives order from Abellio Transport

Northern Ireland , United Kingdom- Wrightbus Limited., a bus manufacturer has successfully secured an order from Abellio Transport Group Limited for 80 electric buses. This procurement comprises 24 single-deck GB Kite Electroliners and 56 StreetDeck Electroliners. Notably, the StreetDeck is recognized as most efficient battery electric double-deck buses. Scheduled to make their debut in 2024, these all-electric buses will operate on London's streets under the management of Abellio on behalf of Transport for London.

The revamped 2024 Kites showcase advanced safety features to align with Transport for London’s safety standards. It incorporates front and nearside blindspot warnings, a tyre pressure monitoring system, automated emergency brakes, and a dynamic stability test. All this comes together to ensure a secure and environmentally conscious commuting experience for Londoners.

With Abellio actively contributing to the design of bus interiors to enhance customer comfort. Featuring Lazzerini high back seats, a contemporary wood-effect floor, and practical amenities such as USB chargers and mobile phone holders, the buses cater to passengers’ convenience and relaxation. The design also prioritises accessibility, incorporating a larger wheelchair and buggy area, while priority seats boast a distinctive colour scheme. 

The StreetDeck Electroliner embodies an exceptional balance of range and efficiency, optimizing power utilization and delivering industry-leading recharge times. Rigorous evaluations conducted at UTAC, utilizing the ZEMO-accredited Ultra Low Emission Bus (ULEB) test, revealed an impressive result of 0.69 kWh/km. This achievement stands out, consuming approximately half the energy compared to its nearest double-deck battery electric vehicle (BEV) counterpart in the UK. It also surpasses the performance of all other BEV single deck buses reported on the ZEMO website.

Mr. Jean-Marc Gales, CEO At Wrightbus, said that, We are delighted to continue our partnership with Abellio to further demonstrate their commitment to offering even more zero-emission public transport in London. It has been a real team effort between Wrightbus and Abellio to deliver these orders, which will help customers enjoy cleaner transport. We’re immensely proud of the reputation we have forged in the zero-emission transport sector and the important role we are playing in the UK’s ambitions for decarbonisation. All of the buses will be manufactured and assembled at our Ballymena factory, which means support for jobs in Northern Ireland, and wider across the UK through our domestic supply chain.

In pioneering the Electroliner and the groundbreaking StreetDeck Hydroliner, its world-first hydrogen double deck, Wrightbus continues to lead the charge in the decarbonisation of public transport throughout the UK and Ireland. This order marks a transformative step toward a greener and more sustainable future for transportation.