The Wrights Group, which manufactures buses for many niche market segments, utilizing both diesel and hybrid electric drivelines, recently showcased a new zero-emission, hydrogen fuel cell double-deck bus at a conference in London.
According to the company, the Wrightbus features a new hydrogen fuel cell driveline that will become available to power both single-deck and double-deck buses as it becomes fully production-ready next year.
As reported, the drive system encompasses a hydrogen fuel cell and a battery pack to power the vehicle – the combination of which makes the continuous daily operation of the public transport vehicle feasible.
Offering a reliable system with no emissions, all Wrightbus hydrogen fuel cell vehicles will feature an electric-drive axle packaged to allow a full flat floor throughout the bus, a zero-emission heating/cooling system, the ability for overnight charging and remote diagnostics.
The Wrights Group says that the keys to success for this concept are the lightweight hydrogen storage tanks and the automatic battery management system, which continuously monitors and balances the stored power while the vehicle is in service.
Wrights Group Chairman and CEO Mark Nodder says, “This exciting new zero-emissions driveline technology, developed with support from our partner Advanced Propulsion Centre UK [APC], is the pinnacle of our ongoing 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.”
William Wright, co-founder and director of the Wrights Group, adds, “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.”
The company says this project has been partly funded by the APC under a grant for common platforms and assembly methods for ultra-low-emission buses.
