An innovative bus that comes to break the mold in autonomy and energy utilization
Wrightbus has recently unveiled its latest hydrogen-powered innovation, the Streetdeck Hydroliner 2.0, the world’s first hydrogen-led double-decker bus. This next-generation fuel cell bus marks a significant milestone in the shift toward zero-emission public transport, showcasing enhanced efficiency, a greater range, and an increased passenger capacity—all at a reduced cost compared to the current model.
Here’s a breakdown of key features and advancements in the Hydroliner 2.0:
- Power and Range:Powered by the Ballard FCmove®-HD fuel cell engine, the Hydroliner 2.0 boasts an operational range of over 300 miles, marking a 30-mile increase over the previous model.
This increase in range makes it a strong one-to-one replacement for traditional diesel buses.
- Fuel Cell Technology:The FCmove®-HD fuel cell engine is designed for medium- to heavy-duty vehicles, offering compactness, durability, and easy installation. It benefits from proton-exchange membrane (PEM) technology, which boosts power, efficiency, and reliability.
- Operational Success:Since its introduction in 2021, the original Hydroliner has covered more than 2 million miles across various routes in the UK and Europe, including cities like London, Birmingham, and Belfast.
- Sustainability and Cost Efficiency:The Hydroliner 2.0 offers 20% savings on fuel costs, 30% savings in maintenance parts over 15 years, and a 5% increase in cabin capacity to drive potential revenue growth for operators.
- Economic and Job Impact:Wrightbus plans to ramp up production in 2025, creating up to 1,000 new jobs in the supply chain due to the increased demand for these zero-emission buses.
- Government Support:The bus’s development has been partially funded by the UK government-backed Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC), which has supported the redesign and homologation of the Hydroliner, facilitating a new fleet of six vehicles for public transit in the UK.
Wrightbus is proud of the innovation and the significant shift the company has made toward a zero-emission future. In 2019, 95% of their orders were diesel-powered, but now, 95% of buses produced at their Ballymena factory are zero emissions. This move aligns with Wrightbus’s commitment to the decarbonization of public transport and its ambition to continue being at the forefront of the global clean energy transition.
