Wrightbus scoops £11.2m boost in NI’s net-zero future

The Next Gen FCEV project will see the Ballymena-based firm develop hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric vehicle single and double-deck buses.

This programme will enable higher volume production at lower cost and create a centre of excellence for zero-emissions hydrogen technology to upskill and share knowledge in the UK as well as drive product sales across the world.

Jo Bamford, Wrightbus Executive Chairman said: “The funding will allow us to realise our ambitions of creating a centre of excellence for zero emission technology in Ballymena, enabling us to produce the next generation of world-leading hydrogen buses at a higher volume and a lower cost than ever before.

“It will safeguard more than 1,000 skilled jobs and will allow us to create more than 3,000 additional jobs over the next 10 years, giving a significant boost to the wider economy in Northern Ireland.”

It comes as more than £54 million in combined government and industry funding has been committed to three innovative projects across the UK for cars, buses, heavy goods vehicles and vans.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Brandon Lewis explained: “Northern Ireland and the local economy thrives on innovation, manufacturing and technological advancements, leading the charge in allowing us to reach our ambitious goal of a net zero future by 2050. With a landmark investment of £11.2 million this will enable Wrightbus to become a centre of excellence for zero-emission technology in the heart of Ballymena.

“This is outstanding news for the people of Northern Ireland, protecting more than 1,000 skilled jobs and creating more than 3,000 additional jobs over the next 10 years. This will continue to level up our local economy, allowing Wrightbus to continue producing the next generation of world-leading hydrogen buses.”

Jon Beasley, Business Development and Programmes Director at the APC continued: “The project being carried out by Wrightbus is vital for advancing the development of innovative powertrains for buses and to further accelerate the transition of the automotive sector to a net-zero future. As one of three projects to benefit from £54 million of investment, the funding will enable the UK to apply its world-class innovation and experience in electrification of vehicles across the supply chain in Great Britain and Northern Ireland.”

Other projects to receive funding from the latest Advanced Propulsion Centre funding competition APC17 include:

EPIC (Electric Powertrain Integration for Heavy Commercial Vehicles) – The next generation of zero-emissions heavy commercial vehicles need lightweight ‘smart’ powertrains to manage extreme levels of electrical power. The EPIC project led by Meritor in Cwmbran integrates the key elements of motor, inverter, gearbox, differential and brakes in a single lightweight system for vehicles up to 44 tonnes and includes coaches, off-highway and construction vehicles.

e-MOTIF (e-axle with MOTor Inverter and Flywheel) – Weight saving and reducing energy consumption are key to winning in motor racing. The e-MOTIF project led by Shield Manufacturing Technologies in Southam, Warwickshire combines lightweight energy recovery technology from motorsport with a new motor and inverter for cars and vans to cut energy consumption and CO2 emissions. The e-MOTIF project is scalable and cost effective for global manufacturers and will lead to three new manufacturing centres opening across the UK.

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