Rightech’s Electric Minibus RB6 Completes First German Road Tests
Essen, Germany – Rightech, the new electric vehicle mobility brand from renowned bus manufacturer Wrightbus, has successfully put its RB6 electric minibus through its paces on German roads for the first time. The trial was conducted by German operator Ruhrbahn Essen, which is exploring the RB6 as it transitions its fleet to zero-emission vehicles.
RB6 Tested on Demanding Neighbourhood Routes
Ruhrbahn Essen tested the RB6 on neighbourhood bus lines 182/192 and 190 in Werden, Fischlaken, and Heidhausen. The operator aimed to evaluate the minibus’s reliability, range, and technical performance on the region’s hilly terrain, a known challenge for electric buses. For insurance reasons, no passengers were carried during these initial tests.
Key Features of the RB6 Electric Minibus:
- Compact & Accessible: The fully low-floor minibus measures just 5.99m long, 2.80m high, and 2.06m wide, making it ideal for navigating tight urban spaces.
- Passenger Capacity: Accommodates up to 22 people, including 12 seated passengers and one wheelchair space.
- Comfort: Both passenger and driver areas are air-conditioned.
- Range: Offers a range of approximately 180 km (around 112 miles) and was charged at a local fuelling station in Essen during the trial.
Positive Initial Feedback and Future Prospects
Erhan Eran, Rightech’s European Bus Managing Director, highlighted the RB6’s suitability for smaller routes: “It is agile, reliable, has a high battery range and above all offers a great way to help operators transition from diesel buses to a zero-emission fleet to improve air quality.” He added, “Initial feedback has been largely positive, with praise for passenger comfort, seat layout, and wheelchair user space, as well as good handling. We’re looking forward to continuing our conversations with Ruhrbahn Essen.”
Ruhrbahn Essen’s project manager, Jörg Wentscher, commented on the trial: “The hilly terrain in this region presents significant technical challenges for these buses. Now, the RB6 must demonstrate how well its materials perform – and especially how it lives up to its stated range – in order to potentially be used in regular route service.”
Rightech: Driving Affordable Electric Mobility
Launched earlier this year by Wrightbus, Rightech aims to bring affordable electric vehicles to customers across the UK and Europe. Wrightbus CEO Jean-Marc Gales stated at the launch, “The quickest way to decarbonise truck and bus fleets is to electrify immediately. Rightech will solve these problems, backed by our portfolio of net-zero companies.”
All Rightech products are supported by a comprehensive Wrightbus warranty, service, and maintenance package, including the UK’s largest fleet of mobile technicians. Service agreements are also in place with Sapphire in the UK and several providers in Germany, France, and the Benelux region, complementing Wrightbus’s regional service headquarters in Brühl, Germany.
About Rightech & Wrightbus:
Rightech: A pure EV brand launched by Wrightbus in 2025, offering affordable electric trucks (7.5 tonnes) and buses (6m and 9m) to decarbonise fleets across Europe.
Wrightbus: A leading innovator in transport for 79 years, Wrightbus is Europe’s fastest-growing bus manufacturer, based in Northern Ireland and employing over 2,300 staff. Over 95% of its output is zero-emission vehicles, including both battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell options.
