Oxford's Green Revolution: Launching Wrightbus's Fully Electric Buses

By

Oxford, a city renowned for its historical charm and academic excellence, is making strides toward a greener future with the launch of a fleet of zero-emission electric buses. Manufactured by Northern Ireland-based Wrightbus, these buses represent a significant step in the city's ambitious mission to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040

The 21 StreetDeck Electroliners, touted as the world's most efficient double-deck battery-electric buses, were unveiled at Oxford Brookes University's Headington Campus. Branded in collaboration with the university, the new BROOKESbus fleet, owned and operated by Oxford Bus Company, aims to replace the existing diesel buses, preventing approximately 850 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.

One of the distinguishing features of these electric buses is their impressive range, capable of traveling up to 300 miles on a full charge. This attribute not only enhances their efficiency but also makes them a practical and sustainable choice for the city's transportation needs.

The partnership between Wrightbus, Oxford Brookes University, and Oxford Bus Company is a testament to their commitment to offering zero-emission public transport. Jean-Marc Gales, CEO of Wrightbus, expressed delight in contributing to Oxford's environmental goals and emphasised the importance of investing in groundbreaking technology to develop cleaner and more efficient transport solutions.

Wrightbus stands out as the only manufacturer in Europe offering a complete suite of zero-emission buses, including battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell single and double decks. These options play a crucial role in decarbonising public transport and helping operators, local authorities, and governments meet their carbon reduction targets.

In alignment with the eco-friendly ethos of the project, all the energy used to charge these buses will be sourced from renewable sources. The charging process takes approximately three and a half hours for a full charge, ensuring a quick turnaround for the buses to return to service.

One notable aspect of electric buses is their reduced noise compared to traditional diesel counterparts. In response to this, the new buses will emit an artificial sound while traveling at low speeds, prioritizing the safety of pedestrians and cyclists in the community.

Professor Alistair Fitt, Vice-Chancellor of Oxford Brookes, highlighted the significance of the new electric BROOKESbuses in the university's journey toward achieving net zero by 2040. The commitment to renewable energy sources for charging aligns with the university's dedication to sustainability, reflecting the values of students, staff, and the broader community.

Luke Marion, Managing Director of Oxford Bus Company, emphasised the excitement surrounding the arrival of the BROOKESbus electric vehicles. The collaboration with Oxford Brookes University underscores the shared commitment to innovation and sustainability, marking a milestone in the pursuit of an all-electric fleet of city buses.

As the buses are set to be in service by the end of the year, Oxford's first-ever electric bus service will not only benefit students and staff but also the local community and visitors to the city. This eco-friendly initiative represents a forward-thinking approach to public transportation, setting a precedent for other cities to follow in the journey toward a cleaner, greener future.

STOCK IMAGE

Popular posts from this blog

AW Energy Launches Renewable-Powered EV Charging Hub, Cutting Costs by 50%

By
Image
AW Energy has officially launched its new ultra-rapid charging station at Checkley Wood, near Leighton Buzzard, offering a significant reduction in charging costs for electric vehicle (EV) owners. The station is powered by renewable energy generated through wind turbines, allowing the company to offer ultra-rapid charging at just 39p per kWh—nearly 50% less than the industry average of 80p per kWh, according to Zap Map’s September Price Index. The launch of this facility marks a major milestone in AW Energy’s efforts to bring sustainable, affordable, and reliable EV charging infrastructure to the UK. The Checkley Wood station is already open to the public, accommodating both electric light commercial vehicles (LCVs) and cars. Larger vehicles, including electric buses and commercial trucks, will be able to use the station by the end of the year. A New Era for EV Charging AW Energy’s Checkley Wood site is designed to serve both everyday EV drivers and fleet operators. The site feature...
Read more

Uniper Unveils Ambitious Hydrogen Hub Project in the Humber, UK

By
Image
Uniper, a global energy company, has set its sights on revolutionising the energy landscape with its latest venture: the Humber H2ub® project. This ambitious initiative, slated to be operational by 2029, aims to establish a hydrogen hub at the Killingholme site in the Humber region of the United Kingdom. With a commitment to sustainability and innovation, Uniper's project holds the promise of significant advancements in green hydrogen production and decarbonisation efforts. At the heart of the Humber H2ub® project lies a plan to integrate 120MW of green hydrogen production capacity, with potential for further expansion. This forward-looking approach aligns with Uniper's broader vision to scale up its electrolyser capacity to over 1GW across its operations by 2030. By harnessing the power of green hydrogen, Uniper seeks to drive down emissions and pave the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future. A key aspect of Uniper's strategy involves collaboration with industry par...
Read more

Commercial Fuel Solutions Introduces UK’s First Hydrogen Internal Combustion Power Generator

By
Image
Commercial Fuel Solutions Limited has made a groundbreaking announcement earlier this week, revealing its exclusive distribution partnership for the UK's inaugural commercially available hydrogen internal combustion power generator . This innovative move underscores the company's commitment to advancing clean energy solutions and revolutionising the landscape of power generation technology. As the exclusive UK distributors for Belgian generator specialists, e-power , Commercial Fuel Solutions Ltd is set to offer the 45 kVA Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (H2ICE) Electrical Power Generator for both purchase and hire. The debut of the H2ICE generator at the Executive Hire Show signifies a significant leap forward in the realm of sustainable energy solutions. With this partnership, Commercial Fuel Solutions leverages its extensive knowledge and expertise in fuel storage and transfer systems to facilitate safe and efficient hydrogen deployments across various sectors. The e-p...
Read more