Translink has unveiled the first single decker and double decker buses in its new zero emission Foyle Metro bus fleet during a special preview event in Derry-Londonderry.
A total of 38 GB Kite Electroliner BEV and StreetDeck Electroliner BEV buses from Northern Ireland manufacturer Wrightbus will be in operation later this year, making Derry-Londonderry one of the first cities in the UK and Ireland to have a fully zero emission urban bus service.
Work is also underway to install 22 electric vehicle chargers in the Pennyburn Garage, enabling 44 buses to be charged sequentially overnight, with future proofing for an additional 19 bus charging stations.
The project supports Translink’s vision to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and operate a zero emissions fleet across Northern Ireland by 2040.
Jean-Marc Gales, CEO at Wrightbus, said: “Our electric buses – the GB Kite Electroliner BEV and the StreetDeck Electroliner BEV – are manufactured and assembled at our Ballymena factory, which means support for jobs in Northern Ireland, and wider across the UK through our domestic supply chain.
“We’re proud to say our StreetDeck Electroliner BEV is the world’s most efficient double deck battery-electric bus and we have taken that technology into the development of our single deck which has also been classed as the most efficient on the UK’s roads.
“We’ve created the most efficient vehicles by combining optimum power with a class-leading rapid charge, meaning our electric buses spend more time on the road than any other.”
