Kent-based Go-Coach has ordered three Rightech RB6 buses that it will operate in Ebbsfleet Garden City on its demand-responsive public transport network.
These 6-metre vehicles are the first vehicles from the new EV brand from Wrightbus to be put into service and will use Roam’s public charging points, as well as the local depot, to recharge.
Kent County Council said funding for the project had come from National Highways as part of its designated fund.
The vehicles will complement a further 28 zero-emission buses that make up Kent’s Bus Rapid Transport system – Fastrack.
Wrightbus, based in Northern Ireland, also manufactures hydrogen-powered buses and has more than 1,800 zero-emission vehicles already in service across the UK and Europe.
It was named the fastest-growing bus manufacturer in Europe and now has 2,200 employees, with factories in Northern Ireland and Malaysia and service centres in the UK and Germany.
Wrightbus launched Rightech as a pure EV brand, supported by a Wrightbus warranty, service and maintenance package, as well as a fleet of mobile technicians.
Jean-Marc Gales, Wrightbus CEO said: “Our hydrogen double-decker was the world’s first and we have 1,800 zero-emission buses on the road, covering millions of miles across the UK and Europe with an in-service availability of 98.6%.
“We are delighted for Kent, for the quickest way to decarbonise bus fleets is to electrify immediately.
“Rightech will solve these problems, backed by our portfolio of net-zero companies – supplying everything from product to infrastructure – which will provide more jobs and opportunities for our workforce in Northern Ireland, the rest of the UK and Europe.”
