Wrightbus unveils latest-generation hydrogen double decker bus, powered by Ballard

Wrightbus has unveiled the latest generation of its flagship hydrogen fuel cell bus – the Streetdeck Hydroliner 2.0 - a pioneering model supporting zero-emission public transport which is the world's first hydrogen-led double-decker. The Hydroliner is powered by Ballard.

Delivering enhanced efficiency, greater range, increased passenger capacity – and at reduced cost compared to the current on-road model, the Hydroliner 2.0 underlines Wrightbus’ innovative drive and ambitious technology implementation which is spearheading the transition to decarbonized public transport.

The next-generation fuel cell bus integrates Ballard’s FCmove^®-HD fuel cell engine, which supports an operational range of over 300 miles – a 30-mile increase on the previous Hydroliner iteration – and offers a one-to-one replacement for traditional diesel-powered vehicles.

The FCmove^®-HD is an advanced fuel cell module for medium- to heavy-duty decarbonized vehicles, which is compact, durable, and easy to install in an engine bay configuration. Benefitting from robust proton-exchange membrane (PEM) technology, the module delivers heightened power, range, and efficiency, with improved reliability and system integration flexibility to ensure exceptional performance.

Ballard fuel cells have powered the Streetdeck Hydroliner since it was introduced on British roads in 2021. Servicing routes across the UK and Europe during the past four years, including London, Birmingham, Aberdeen, and Belfast, the Wrightbus double-decker has achieved more than 2 million miles in operational service to-date.

“We are delighted to unveil our next-generation hydrogen bus, which really showcases the breadth of knowledge and innovation we have here in Northern Ireland at Wrightbus, and in our UK supply chain partners. Our development team has ensured this flagship bus is more efficient, travels further, costs less, and is easier to service and maintain. Alongside our market-leading EV bus, 95% of all buses produced by Wrightbus at our Ballymena factory are now zero emissions – a marked change from 2019 when 95% of all orders were for diesels. We are truly leading the charge to net zero.”

Jean-Marc Gales CEO, Wrightbus

As the fastest-growing bus manufacturer in Europe, Wrightbus will build the Hydroliner 2.0 at its state-of-the-art facility in Ballymena, Northern Ireland. This contributes to an increase in production which is expected to hit record levels in 2025, with as many as 1,000 additional jobs anticipated to be created in the supply chain thanks to this manufacturing upsurge.

Compared to its predecessor model, the Hydroliner 2.0 presents a positive alternative for bus operators by saving 20% in fuel costs, 30% in maintenance parts over 15 years, and increases cabin capacity by 5% to drive revenue generation potential.

The fuel cell bus's manufacturing program has been supported by partial funding from the UK government-backed Advanced Propulsion Centre, whose APC17 NextGenFCEV initiative has spanned four years of development - overseeing a complete redesign of the original Hydroliner by Wrightbus engineers - and will provide a new fleet of six vehicles for public transit operation in the UK - built and homologated by Wrightbus, and powered by Ballard.