Kent Secures First Order for Rightech Electric Buses to Serve Ebbsfleet Garden City
Kent, UK – A landmark order for the first Rightech buses – the new electric vehicle (EV) brand from market-leading manufacturer Wrightbus – was announced today. The 6-metre Rightech electric buses are destined for Kent, where they will operate as part of an innovative demand-responsive public transport network for the flagship Ebbsfleet Garden City development.
Innovative Charging and Operational Flexibility
In a unique agreement, the Rightech buses will be able to utilize public EV charging bays, in addition to charging at the local depot. This “first-of-its-kind” approach, facilitated by Roam’s EV charging network, ensures the buses can maximize their time serving the community with extended operating hours.
Austin Blackburn, founder of Go-Coach, the operator for these new buses, was convinced of their suitability after a test drive. “Clearly, Wrightbus is at the top of its game, and we really wanted to buy a vehicle which was backed by such a well-known manufacturer,” he stated. “The versatility of these Rightech buses is incredible… Ideally, we want our buses running from 5 am to 1 am the following morning, so being able to make the most of EV public charging is an added bonus.”
Supporting Sustainable Growth and Integrated Transport
Funding for these buses came from National Highways as part of its designated fund, supporting significant public transport investment alongside new housing and road infrastructure in the Ebbsfleet, Dartford, and Gravesend areas.
Shane Hymers, network development manager for Kent County Council’s public transport department, said, “These buses will form part of a critical zero-emission service to support passengers in that region and will complement a further 28 zero-emission buses that make up our award-winning Bus Rapid Transport system – Fastrack.”
The ability for these buses to use the public charging network was also hailed as a “big win” by Anna Komajda from Camland, responsible for delivering the Whitecliffe development in Ebbsfleet Garden City. “Zero emission buses are a vital part of the transport mix, and we are delighted to have secured a deal for them to take advantage of our impressive EV infrastructure,” she commented.
Wrightbus and Rightech: Driving Decarbonization
Wrightbus, recently named the fastest-growing bus manufacturer in Europe with 2,200 employees, launched Rightech to provide pure EV solutions. CEO Jean-Marc Gales emphasized their long-standing commitment to zero emissions: “Our hydrogen double-decker was the world’s first, and we have 1,800 zero-emission buses on the road… We are delighted for Kent, for the quickest way to decarbonise bus fleets is to electrify immediately. Rightech will solve these problems, backed by our portfolio of net-zero companies.”
James Randall, CEO of Roam, added, “We’re proud to see our network supporting the zero-emission Rightech bus fleet in Ebbsfleet, setting a brilliant example of how integrated infrastructure can accelerate the transition to green mobility.”
All Rightech products are supported by a comprehensive Wrightbus warranty, service, and maintenance package, including the UK’s largest fleet of mobile technicians.
