Wrightbus has taken a further order from Germany for its Kite Hydroliner hydrogen fuel cell-electric single-decker, calling for 46 examples to go to Cottbusverkehr in the eastern city of Cottbus.
The manufacturer has already recorded sales of the same vehicle type to Regionalverkehr Koln in Cologne for up to 60, Saarbahn in the Saarland region for 28, and West Verkehr in North Rhine Westphalia for 12.
Further European orders are in the pipeline, Wrightbus says. It claims to be the continent’s fastest growing bus manufacturer and is currently building 22 vehicles per week, with 1,000 zero-emission examples to be produced this year, it says.
The 46 Kite Hydroliners will be the first hydrogen-fuelled buses for Cottbusverkehr. Initial deliveries are expected at the end of 2024. When the order is complete, the vehicles will account for the majority of the operator’s 75-strong fleet.
A demonstration bus was taken from Belfast to Germany to showcase the Kite Hydroliner’s range, which has previously been cited as up to 640 miles. Confirmation of the Cottbus order follows an announcement by the German government that it will implement a large-scale scheme to support the production of renewable hydrogen.
Speaking about the deal, Wrightbus Chief Executive Jean-Marc Gales says: “We are delighted to be working with the city of Cottbus on this incredibly important initiative.
“Hydrogen has a key role to play in moving away from fossil fuels to decarbonise energy and provide cleaner air for all. This is especially true in public transport, and we are proud that our buses will be on the streets providing a clean and comfortable service for the people of this region.”
Adds Cottbus Mayor Marietta Tzschoppe: “We are taking a first, important step towards the future of mobility. This is where the energy transition becomes concrete, and it creates a positive impact of our passengers.”
