Wrightbus has launched the next generation of its diesel bus product. The new generation StreetDeck Ultroliner will be powered by the Cummins B6.7 six-cylinder diesel engine, married with a Voith DIWA.8 NXT seven-speed transmission. The B6.7-powered Ultroliner will be Ultra-Low Emission Bus (ULEB) accredited, like the existing diesel Ultroliner four-cylinder bus, which the manufacturer says will also continue to be available.
The first five next-generation buses will be supplied to Isle of Man operator Bus Vannin.
The new generation Ultroliner will be available in two horsepower options, offering either 250hp/187kW and 1000Nm of torque, or a more powerful 300hp/224kW, 1200Nm version.
Wrightbus says the latest option means that by embracing the new Cummins engine platform now, as the technology develops it will mean operators could have the option for a mid-life repower to zero-emission by switching the diesel engine for a Cummins hydrogen internal combustion engine.
CEO of Wrightbus Jean-Marc Gales said: “The combination of the latest generation of engines from Cummins and the latest technology from Voith, coupled with our industry-leading micro-hybrid technology, means the StreetDeck Ultroliner offers optimal efficiency in the diesel market, and we’re delighted Bus Vannin will be the first customers to experience our new offering.
“We are rightly known as a predominantly zero-emission bus manufacturer, and we are very proud of being the largest provider of zero-emission buses in Europe earlier this year.
“However, the fact remains that not everyone has the funding to be able to make the switch to zero-emission. As a result, we believe in a blended approach of responsible technologies: battery electric, hydrogen fuel cell and the cleanest diesel technologies to ensure all our customers can continue to decarbonise as quickly as possible, whilst still maintaining financially viable operations.
“With that being the case, our role here is to make sure our diesel buses are as clean and efficient as possible and to ensure we can give them a second life as a zero-emission bus in the future through our NewPower business.”
Bus Vannin Director Ian Bates said: “The five new buses to our Bus Vannin fleet – the first double deck vehicle order placed since the pandemic – see a progressive step forward in a known technology, the internal combustion engine, while continuing to take into account the Isle of Man Government’s Island Plan and commitments to climate change.
“Technologies continue to advance at an astonishing rate, but this controlled approach allows us to see how the network will look in the future, enabling an insight into possible hydrogen options alongside electrification.”
