Greater Manchester Bee Network operator Go North West, which already operates 69 electric buses from its Bolton depot, is now trialling the first diesel-to-electric conversion, testing the feasibility of repowering further diesel buses to fully electric vehicles.
The first converted bus has entered service from Bolton depot, its diesel engine replaced with a zero-emission electric powertrain, and the trial will evaluate energy efficiency, range, operational costs, and real-world performance to determine whether repowering can offer a scalable solution for fleet electrification.
Managing Director of Go North West Nigel Featham, Director of Bus at Transport for Greater Manchester Stephen Rhodes and Wrightbus Sales Director Kirk Trewin. TfGM
Managing Director of Go North West Nigel Featham said: “This trial is about exploring how the Bee Network might accelerate moves towards an all-electric fleet. Converting an existing vehicle extends its life and provides a lower-cost way to cut emissions quickly. If successful, this could become a vital tool in delivering Greater Manchester’s zero-emission ambitions.”
The number of electric buses serving people across Greater Manchester continues to grow, from 1% before the city’s franchising regime took hold, up to an expected 25% by the end of the year as part of Transport for Greater Manchester’s ambitions to have a fully electric fleet by 2030.
TfGM’s Director of Bus Stephen Rhodes said: “Greater Manchester is determined to lead the way on transport innovation. As we look to grow our fleet of electric buses, this repowering trial is an exciting opportunity to explore whether bus electrification can happen faster and more cost-effectively. If successful, it could prove invaluable in helping us deliver a fully electric fleet by 2030 and provide a blueprint for the wider industry.”
The three-week conversion process has been carried out by Wrightbus’ NewPower business in Bicester. Kirk Trewin, UK Bus Sales Director at Wrightbus, said: “Repowering technology has the potential to be a game-changer in the transition to zero-emission transport. We’re excited to work with Go North West and TfGM to bring this innovation to life, which could unlock more cost-effective solutions for the industry.”
