Wrightbus has unveiled four new electric vehicles under its new Rightech brand as part of its ambition to become a global leader in zero-emission transport. The Ballymena-based company is launching two electric trucks (7.5-tonne, available in left- and right-hand drive) and two electric buses (6m and 9m) aimed at operators across the UK, Ireland, and Europe.
Rightech has already secured orders across its target markets, offering towns and cities a more affordable way to decarbonise transport and improve air quality. CEO Jean-Marc Gales highlighted that the move would give Wrightbus a competitive edge over Asian imports, which often lack the dedicated OEM support, service networks, and advanced telematics that Rightech will provide. All Rightech vehicles will come with a Wrightbus warranty, service, and maintenance package, supported by the UK’s largest fleet of mobile technicians. The company has also partnered with Sapphire to add 14 regional workshops to its existing service centres in Ballymena, Bicester, and Warwick. In Europe, Wrightbus has signed agreements with service providers in Germany, France, and Benelux, alongside its regional service hub in Brühl.
Charging infrastructure will be supplied by Ryze Power, part of Wrightbus owner Jo Bamford’s net-zero business portfolio. Meanwhile, W-Tech, a technology and research centre developed with Queen’s University Belfast, will support fleet operators with route optimisation tools.
The launch follows a period of rapid growth for Wrightbus, now the fastest-growing bus manufacturer in Europe, with 2,200 employees and production facilities in Northern Ireland and Malaysia. While Rightech’s new vehicles are developed in partnership with two Chinese manufacturers, Wrightbus engineers have spent over 30,000 hours refining and validating the products to meet the company’s high standards.
Jo Bamford, who rescued Wrightbus from administration in 2019, said Rightech will help accelerate fleet decarbonisation with practical, affordable solutions. “Climate change is real, and we don’t have time to waste,” he said. “My businesses focus on energy transition—whether that’s vehicles, hydrogen, or infrastructure. But operators need solutions now. Rightech delivers a fantastic product backed by Britain’s best bus manufacturer.”
Jean-Marc Gales, who has decades of experience in automotive and commercial vehicles, added: “Wrightbus has led the way in zero-emission transport. We built the world’s first hydrogen double-decker and now have 1,700 electric buses in service across the UK and Europe with a 98.6% availability rate.
“Our UK supply chain supports 6,600 jobs, and 43% of every Wrightbus is sourced from UK suppliers. That commitment will continue.
“We aim to become a global mobility leader, and expanding our product range is key. While we continue scaling up full-size bus production, this new partnership enables us to meet demand in the growing zero-emission midi-bus market. The fastest way to decarbonise fleets is to electrify now, and Rightech offers the ideal solution—combining vehicles, infrastructure, and expert support while creating new jobs in Northern Ireland, the UK, and Europe.”
A spokesperson for Sapphire added:
“Our goal is to support the transport industry in reducing carbon emissions. This partnership integrates electrified transport solutions with innovative services to help fleets transition to alternative fuels.”
