
Wrightbus has unveiled a new lineup of battery-electric buses, developed through a strategic partnership with King Long, as part of its push for global expansion in zero-emission transport. The company introduced two electric buses—the RB6 (6-meter) and RB9 (9-meter)—and a 7.5-tonne electric truck in both right- and left-hand drive. These vehicles are significant in Wrightbus’s decarbonising public and commercial transport strategy.
The RB6, designed for urban transit, features an 89kWh battery with a claimed range of 112 miles (180km) and can be recharged from 20% to 80% in just 37 minutes. It has a passenger capacity of 22. The larger RB9, fitted with a 282kWh battery, boasts a 187-mile (300km) range and can be recharged in 1 hour and 24 minutes. Wrightbus has already secured four orders for the RB6, with further announcements expected soon.
Both models are being marketed under Wrightbus’s new mobility brand, Rightech, which is dedicated exclusively to battery-electric vehicles. They come with service backing from Wrightbus’s AllServiceOne network, offering warranties covering up to 400,000km for the battery.
CEO Jean-Marc Gales also confirmed that Wrightbus plans to introduce a hydrogen-powered coach by 2026, reinforcing its commitment to advancing clean transport technology. The company’s strategy leverages its collaboration with King Long to provide competitively priced, customisable vehicles with shorter lead times of approximately 4.5 months.
These efforts align with the broader goals of Ryze Power, Jo Bamford's net-zero energy and transport portfolio. Ryze Power aims to provide integrated charging infrastructure and solutions to accelerate the transition to sustainable transport.
Mr Bamford says: “Each one of my businesses is focused on energy transition, from vehicles, hydrogen and sustainable fuels through to supply, distribution and infrastructure. But operators need to act now with affordable solutions in front of them. Rightech has the answer – offering an incredible product with the backing of Britain’s best bus manufacturer.”
Mr Gales adds: “Wrightbus has been flying the flag for zero-emissions long before anyone else. Our hydrogen double-decker was the world’s first, and we have 1,700 electric buses on the road, covering millions of miles across the UK and Europe with an in-service availability of 98.6%.
“However, we want to be a global mobility business and to do this, we need to broaden our product portfolio. Our factory continues to increase production of full-size single and double-deck buses, but to meet demand in the zero-emission midi-bus sector, this partnership makes sense. The quickest way to decarbonise truck and 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.”
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