A fleet of GB Kite Hydroliners, the first single deck hydrogen fuel cell bus from Wrightbus Ballymena, are now officially in service with Go Ahead Group for services carrying passengers in and around Gatwick Airport.
The launch represents a £30 million investment in a pioneering hydrogen bus fleet and refuelling station - the first liquid hydrogen refuelling station for buses in Europe.
The event was held on Thursday (29 June) and was attended by the Minister for Roads and Local Transport and stakeholders from across the region.
Once fully delivered, the fleet will comprise 54 vehicles and will be one of the biggest hydrogen bus fleets in Britain. The zero emission buses are able to cover long ranges and carry heavy loads, making them ideal for local routes around Gatwick that are intensively used - operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and are the first hydrogen powered vehicles in Go-Ahead’s fleet of more than 6,000 buses.
Including fast re-fuelling time, this hydrogen-powered bus has numerous attributes that make it the ideal vehicle for long-distance travel. The GB Kite has a range of up to 640 miles and can carry up to 90 passengers. The bus shares 86% parts commonality with its Double Deck sister – the StreetDeck Hydroliner FCEV, meaning it will provide considerable benefits to operators in terms of reducing fleet maintenance costs.
The GB Kite is equipped with cutting-edge technology to help the UK achieve its ambitious netzero targets. We are incredibly proud of what the introduction of this vehicle will mean in the drive towards a greener, cleaner future for us all.
Wrightbus CEO, Jean-Marc Gales spoke yesterday at the official launch of The Go-Ahead Group and Brighton & Hove Buses and Metrobus pioneering fleet of GB Kite Hydroliners, describing the launch as a “hugely important event," and stated "the significance of this development should not be underestimated.”
Once fully delivered, the fleet will comprise 54 vehicles and will be one of the biggest hydrogen bus fleets in Britain.
Speaking on the Wrightbus vision, Jean-Marc shared:
“Throughout our history, there hasn’t been a day when we haven't stood by our goal of a greener tomorrow. In our endeavour to deliver the best to the people, many iconic buses have emerged from the Wrightbus factory, completely changing the way of travelling.
"It is that innovation that helps us continue to grow and continue to bring in the brightest and the best in the industry.
"What helps us achieve those goals is special partnerships like this one with Go-Ahead, working with operators to tailor the product to their needs and delivering bespoke solutions. We look forward to working with The Go-Ahead Group on this partnership, delivering the next 34 hydrogen and many more zero emission buses.
"Together we are driving a greener future”
