Wrightbus to expand scope of NewPower repowering division
The contract will see NewPower upgrade 28 first-gen Metrodecker electric buses with the latest generation of batteries, axles, drivelines, powertrains and HVAC systems. It’s part of a wider attempt to upgrade some of the earliest generation electric buses to hit the streets following rapid advances in battery-electric vehicle technology. The idea is that it should enable operators to improve vehicles facing limited range and reliability problems without needing to buy new vehicles.
Jean-Marc Gales, the CEO of Wrightbus, set out the approach, explaining: “While it’s clear that aging diesels would benefit from a switch to EV, the rapid development of battery and driveline systems in the last three years means we have the ability to update first generation electric vehicles with the latest technology and make enormous increases in power, range and efficiency.” He added: “It’s a real game-changer and enables operators to upgrade their fleets without always having to buy new.”
Wrightbus has outlined some of the technical changes in greater detail, stating that the current Kreisel batteries will be replaced with CATL configurations offering up to 50 percent “more power”. Grayson Thermal Systems will provide the HVAC and heat-pump heating systems while Voith Group electrical drives will be installed.
Wrightbus has also confirmed that more than three-quarters of component value from NewPower projects comes from UK suppliers, and that conversion work will take place at the NewPower facility in Oxfordshire. It increases NewPower’s total number of orders to 64 in 2026 – up from 50+ that have been delivered in 2025.
WrightBus launched its diesel repowering service back in 2024, with the goal of electrifying fleets without operators having to purchase new electric buses – effectively lowering the cost of electrification.
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