Repowered buses from Wrightbus NewPower set new standard for efficiency and sustainability

In a significant stride towards greener public transport, NewPower, a pioneering initiative by bus manufacturer Wrightbus, has unveiled groundbreaking data showcasing the exceptional performance of its repowered battery-electric buses.

Converted from diesel to zero-emission electric vehicles, these buses are now the most efficient on the market, boasting a class-leading range of 232 miles on a single charge, according to real-world data collected from their first 35,000 miles in service across the UK.

NewPower, based at a state-of-the-art facility in Bicester, Oxfordshire, has transformed more than 20 diesel buses into electric vehicles, offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to purchasing new electric buses.

The repowering process replaces diesel engines with cutting-edge electric powertrains, extending the lifespan of each bus by up to a decade while slashing carbon emissions. Each repowered bus saves an estimated 70,000 tonnes of CO2 annually, contributing significantly to the UK’s net-zero ambitions.

The real-world data, which includes winter driving conditions, underscores the reliability and efficiency of NewPower’s repowered fleet. With a range of 232 miles, these buses outperform competitors, making them a game-changer for urban and regional transport operators.

Furthermore, the repowering process delivers a 21% reduction in total cost of ownership compared to diesel equivalents, driven by a 47% decrease in maintenance and energy costs.

This cost-effectiveness is enhanced by the fact that repowering a bus costs less than half the price of a new electric vehicle.

NewPower’s innovative approach has earned it accreditation under the Zero Emissions Vehicle Repower Accreditation Scheme (ZEVRAS), a rigorous certification process ensuring that repowered systems meet stringent environmental and performance standards. This approval cements NewPower’s position as a leader in the transition to zero-emission public transport.

Wrightbus CEO Jean-Marc Gales

Jean-Marc Gales, CEO of Wrightbus, hailed the achievement, stating:

“We’ve always known our repowered buses would offer outstanding performance, and it’s satisfying to now back that up with data from the first 20,000 NewPower miles travelled.

“Thanks to the expertise of our 2,300-strong workforce, including our master technicians, NewPower has unrivalled capability in swapping powertrains. This makes sense not just from a sustainability perspective, but also from a cost point of view.”

The repowering initiative aligns with broader efforts to reduce embodied carbon—the emissions associated with manufacturing new vehicles—by refurbishing existing mid-life buses rather than building new ones. This approach delivers significant environmental benefits, as repurposing vehicles avoids the carbon-intensive process of producing new assets.

Wrightbus’s zero-emission vehicles, including those repowered by NewPower, have collectively covered over 14 million miles, preventing more than 24,000 tonnes of CO2 from entering the atmosphere.

Launched in 2024, NewPower is the first original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to offer a repowering service, addressing the urgent need to decarbonise older bus fleets. With diesel buses still prevalent in many UK cities, the initiative provides a practical solution for operators seeking to meet stringent emissions targets without the prohibitive costs of new electric buses.

As the UK accelerates its transition to net-zero, NewPower’s repowered buses offer a blueprint for sustainable transport. By combining cutting-edge technology, cost efficiency, and environmental benefits, the initiative is poised to play a pivotal role in transforming the nation’s public transport network. For operators and local authorities, the message is clear: the future of green transport is not just electric—it’s repowered.

For more information on NewPower and Wrightbus’s sustainability initiatives, visit their official website.