Wrightbus Expands Hydrogen Fleet in Germany with Kite Hydroliner Buses
Key Ideas
  • Wrightbus delivers 12 hydrogen-powered Kite Hydroliner buses to WestVerkehr GmbH in Germany, with plans for a total of 130 by 2025.
  • The buses will serve routes in North Rhine-Westphalia, contributing to cleaner air and environmental sustainability in the region.
  • Partnership between Wrightbus and WestVerkehr, supported by government funding, highlights a commitment to innovation and eco-friendly public transport.
  • Wrightbus establishes a service center in Brühl, near Cologne, to support its expanding European customer base and maintain its growing fleet of hydrogen buses.
Wrightbus, a Northern Ireland-based zero-emission vehicle manufacturer, has delivered 12 new hydrogen-powered Kite Hydroliner buses to German public transport operator WestVerkehr GmbH. These buses, part of a larger order that will see around 130 in operation by 2025 in Germany, will serve routes in North Rhine-Westphalia connecting Heinsberg, Hückelhoven, and Erkelenz. The partnership between Wrightbus and WestVerkehr emphasizes a joint commitment to environmentally friendly mobility and sustainability. The official commissioning of the fleet was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by WestVerkehr Managing Director Udo Winkens. The German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport Affairs has provided €3.4 million in funding to support WestVerkehr's hydrogen fleet initiative, highlighting the societal and environmental benefits of the investment. The Kite Hydroliner FCEV buses, designed for long-distance travel, offer a range of up to 1,000 kilometers and quick refueling times of under 10 minutes. The deployment of these buses in Germany showcases Wrightbus's increasing presence in the European clean transport sector. To further strengthen its European operations, Wrightbus has opened a service center in Brühl near Cologne, catering to maintenance and servicing needs for various bus models, including those from other manufacturers. This move aligns with the company's dedication to providing cutting-edge, zero-emission solutions and fostering a comprehensive service network across Europe, mirroring its UK infrastructure.
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