NewPower Announce 1st of Kind EV-to-EV Repowering Deal

NewPower, launched by zero-emission bus manufacturer Wrightbus in 2024 to repower inefficient and outdated buses, has announced a first-of-its-kind EV-to-EV Repower deal with Metroline. The company said 28 Metrodecker electric buses which had been hampered by poor reliability and range would be transformed by NewPower at its state-of-the-art factory in Oxfordshire - the largest repowering facility in Europe. Newest generation batteries, axles, drivelines, powertrains and HVAC systems would all be replaced in a bid to breathe new life into the double decker.

Kreisel batteries will be replaced with a CATL configuration offering 50% more power. A Grayson HVAC and heat-pump heating system will be installed along with a Voith electric drive system. Wrightbus became the first OEM to offer a repowering service, utilising the unique skills of its workforce to swap diesel for electricity.

This is the first time they'll be updating an EV fleet with the latest EV technology. As well as offering a first generation to second generation EV conversion, NewPower also provides diesel to electric repowering. Wrightbus CEO Jean-Marc Gales said his engineers had proved 'beyond doubt' that they could tackle all zero-emission challenges.

"While it's clear that ageing 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 explained. "The new battery systems have ramped up output, increasing the range available while also making it quicker to charge. It's a real game-changer and enables operators to upgrade their fleets without always having to buy new.

"More than 75% of the component cost of a bus comes from our UK suppliers and we will continue to strengthen our ties in the face of stiff competition from overseas.

"This latest deal increases the orders for NewPower to 64 for next year, already above the 50-plus we will have delivered in 2025, and makes NewPower the largest repower specialist in Europe. "

John McLeister, Wrightbus Group MD Sales, UK and Ireland, said: "We are putting in gold standard equipment into these Metrodeckers to maximise performance and efficiency."

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