HEV is the latest development for its StreetLite single-deck and StreetDeck double-deck range, and will be known as StreetLite HEV and StreetDeck HEV respectively.
It is a parallel hybrid system that utilises two motor generator units and a lithium titanate battery to store KERS (kinetic energy recovery system) braking energy.
When specified with Wrightbus’ third-generation micro hybrid technology, the overall system achieves fuel consumption and C02 emission levels 34% better than the LEB Euro 5 baseline, according to – according to Millbrook tests.
And with lower lifecycle costs than current HEV systems, Wrights engineering director Brian Maybin says StreetLite HEV and StreetDeck HEV could achieve a faster payback.
“Building on the success of micro hybrid technology that we have progressively advanced in recent years, our latest HEV system has been developed as a truly affordable propulsion solution that doesn’t compromise on operational or environmental performance,” stats Maybin.
“Recent testing at Millbrook has delivered outstanding results and we are very excited about what this new HEV system could achieve in helping operators meet demanding environmental targets without the big step cost normally associated with hybrid electric buses,” he adds.
Once full testing and homologation is completed, Wrightbus expects that the new technology will be available in limited quantities in Q4 2017, with full production scheduled for early 2018.