Northern Ireland-based bus manufacturer Wrightbus has announced it is to build 46 hydrogen buses for the city of Cottbus in Germany.
The Kite Hydroliner buses ordered by Cottbusverkehr GmbH will operate in the second largest city in the state of Brandenburg, and in the western part of the district of Spree-Neiße.
They are the operator’s first hydrogen buses and are compliant with Association of German Transport Companies (VDV) regulations and also meet the requirements of the European General Safety Regulation GSR2, which covers safety and the protection of vehicle occupants and vulnerable road users.
The first buses are due to be delivered at the end of 2024.
It follows deals in Germany with West Verkehr, Regionalverkehr Köln GmbH (RVK), and Saarbahn GmbH, with more European orders in the pipeline.
The German government recently launched a €350 million (£299 million) scheme to support the production of renewable hydrogen.
Jean-Marc Gales, Chief Executive, Wrightbus, said, “Hydrogen has a key role to play in moving away from fossil fuels to decarbonise energy and provide cleaner air for all.
“This is especially true in public transport and we are proud that our buses will be on the streets providing and clean and comfortable service for the people of this region.”
Ralf Thalmann, CEO of Cottbusverkehr, said, “Cottbusverkehr will run 11 Kite Hydroliners for city traffic in and around Cottbus.
“We will take an additional 35 hydrogen buses and gradually use them for local transport in the Spree-Neisse region in 2025.
“This is a big step in Lusatia towards climate-neutral local public transport. We look forward to working with Wrightbus. With its offer, the company has shown its commitment and willingness to offer suitable solutions.”
