Wrightbus delivers 12 new hydrogen vehicles to WestVerkehr
Published by Ellie Brosnan,
Editorial Assistant
Global Hydrogen Review,
Zero-emission bus manufacturer Wrightbus has delivered 12 new hydrogen vehicles to German operator WestVerkehr GmbH.
The latest order completion of Kite Hydroliner single decks means there are now 43 hydrogen-powered buses on the streets of Germany – with around 130 to be on the roads by the end of 2025. WestVerkehr GmbH is based in the westernmost district of Germany, on the border with the Netherlands, and will operate the Kite Hydroliners between Heinsberg, Hückelhoven, and Erkelenz.
Jean-Marc Gales, CEO of Wrightbus, said: “We are delighted that WestVerkehr is bringing our zero-emission hydrogen buses onto the roads of North Rhine-Westphalia. This benefits the environment and ensures that people in the region breathe better air.”
WestVerkehr Managing Director, Udo Winkens, commented: "By participating in this project, WestVerkehr is underlining its commitment to environmentally friendly, future-oriented mobility. Together with the partners of the H2HS consortium, we are actively driving forward the transformation of local public transport – innovative, emission-free, and close to the people."
Wrightbus brought its first buses to mainland Europe in 2024. There are now 31 Kite Hydroliners in operation for Regionalverkehr Köln GmbH (RVK). The company has also placed orders for eight additional hydrogen buses by the end of 2025, with the option of more. Wrightbus has also opened a European service centre in Brühl, near Cologne, Germany.
“Under the AllServiceOne brand, our team of experts maintains and services all types of buses here in the heart of Europe,” added Jean-Marc. “This includes those from other manufacturers and with different drive types.”
The service centre includes a spare parts warehouse in Brühl. It is the first step on the way to a comprehensive network of service centres on the continent, replicating the network that already exists in the UK. With its long range of up to 1000 km, the Kite Hydroliner FCEV is ideal for long journeys. Refuelling takes less than 10 minutes. The single-deck buses can accommodate up to 90 passengers. The buses for WestVerkehr meet the high requirements of the Association of German Transport Companies (VDV) and the European General Safety Regulation (GSR2).
Read the article online at: https://www.globalhydrogenreview.com/hydrogen/02052025/wrightbus-delivers-12-new-hydrogen-vehicles-to-westverkehr/
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