Wrightbus secures £150m to accelerate global electric bus ambitions
The new funding more than doubles Wrightbus’s existing facilities and provides a critical boost to its production capabilities, research and development, and international footprint. With operations in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, and a growing presence in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly through its Malaysian factory, the company is positioning itself as a central player in the electrification of global public transport networks.
The HSBC UK finance package includes working capital support and hedging instruments designed to accommodate the long build cycles typical in bus manufacturing. It will enable Wrightbus to increase output at its facilities and fast-track the commercialisation of next-generation zero-emission technologies.
“This is a pivotal moment for Wrightbus and for the decarbonisation of public transport more broadly,” said Wrightbus CEO Jean-Marc Gales. “The investment will not only support jobs and growth across our supply chain but will also help us meet the growing demand for clean, green transport — both in the UK and internationally.”
A core part of Wrightbus’s strategy involves expanding its electric mobility solutions beyond new vehicle manufacturing. The funding will support the growth of its NewPower and Rightech divisions, both launched within the last year.
NewPower, based in Bicester, specialises in repowering – converting existing diesel buses into fully electric models. With a surging order book from UK operators, the facility is helping reduce fleet emissions without the environmental and financial costs of full replacement.
Meanwhile, Rightech, a new BEV brand launched in January 2025, offers a line of ready-to-go battery-electric vehicles aimed at fleet operators looking for turnkey solutions to decarbonise operations rapidly. The profile includes both electric trucks and buses.
The manufacturer points out that it has undergone a remarkable transformation. Just six years ago, Wrightbus had to be rescued from administration. Now, it employs over 2,300 people and produces around 1,200 buses annually – 95% of which are zero-emission vehicles.
“Wrightbus is a standout UK manufacturing success story. From just 50 employees in 2019 to over 2,300 today, the company has shown what’s possible when innovation and purpose combine,” said Akhil Shah, Relationship Director at HSBC UK. “This finance package is a vote of confidence in their role as a critical partner in the transition to zero-emission public transport.”
Rohit Moudgil, Head of Manufacturing and Industrials at HSBC UK, added: “Wrightbus represents the future of transport manufacturing. This transaction underlines our broader commitment to the electric mobility ecosystem — from OEMs and suppliers to operators — and supports the UK’s journey towards a net-zero transport system.”
With the electric bus sector gaining momentum worldwide, Wrightbus says it is now firmly positioned to lead the charge. Just recently, the company announced that it was investing 25 million pounds into developing next-gen battery and fuel cell-based buses. £10 million of this funding will go towards the Wrightbus StreetDeck Electroliner, which is used as part of London’s iconic double decker bus fleet.
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