- Wrightbus’s NewPower converts diesel buses to electric, offering a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to new electric buses.
- First Bus has ordered 30 converted buses, reducing CO2 emissions by 2,100 tonnes annually and supporting their zero-emission goal.
- The conversion process takes about three weeks, extending bus lifespan by up to 10 years and repurposing diesel components.
Wrightbus’s NewPower gets off to an impressive start with an order of 30 converted buses for First Bus
Wrightbus recently established NewPower to propel the conversion of diesel buses to electric. The conversion idea has taken the bus and truck world by storm. The process is far more sustainable than building new buses from scratch, considering the re-used frames and bodywork. NewPower has already received a significant order from First Bus, one of the UK’s largest bus operators.
The partnership began with a successful trial of two converted diesel buses. First Bus has now ordered 30 more buses to be converted at NewPower’s advanced facility in Bicester, Oxfordshire. This initiative is expected to cut CO2 emissions by 2,100 tonnes annually when the 32 repowered buses are in service.
This move aligns with First Bus’s goal to achieve a fully zero-emission fleet by 2035.
The repowered buses will be introduced in cities such as Portsmouth, Norwich, Bramley (Leeds), Leicester, and Aberdeen, where they will complement the existing EV infrastructure.
NewPower’s conversion process is notably cost-effective, costing less than half the price of a new electric bus. It also extends the lifespan of the buses by up to 10 years and provides significant environmental benefits by reducing embodied carbon compared to manufacturing new vehicles.
The conversion is completed in about three weeks. It involves removing the diesel engine and related components and installing new electric batteries and drive systems. The removed parts are then repurposed.
Wrightbus’s zero-emission vehicles have already traveled over 14 million miles, avoiding more than 24,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions. The new order marks a key milestone for NewPower and highlights its role in advancing sustainable transport solutions.
