Wright Pulsar Gemini HEV

The Wright Pulsar Gemini HEV was a hybrid double-decker bus manufactured by Wrightbus. It was the first hybrid double-decker to be built in the United Kingdom. It was based on a VDL DB250 chassis, without the engine a diesel and battery combination hybrid engine being used.

Wright Pulsar Gemini HEV
Wright Pulsar Gemini HEV with First Somerset & Avon in Bath
Overview
ManufacturerWrightbus
Production2006
AssemblyBallymena, Northern Ireland
Body and chassis
Doors1 or 2
Floor typeLow floor
ChassisVDL DB250
RelatedWright Pulsar Gemini
Powertrain
EngineVauxhall
Ford Puma 2.4l I4 diesel [1]
Dimensions
Length10.30 metres
Width2.55 metres
Height4.40 metres
Chronology
SuccessorWright Gemini 2 HEV

Initial users

Arriva London

The first vehicle was unveiled by Mayor of London Ken Livingstone in October 2006.[2] After being exhibited at the Euro Bus Expo at the National Exhibition Centre, in March 2007 it entered service with Arriva London on route 141 for evaluation.[3][4][5]

In 2008 it moved to East Thames Buses' Mandela Way garage for six months, mainly being used on route 1. From August 2010 until February 2012, it operated for First Somerset & Avon in Bath after having its centre door removed.[6][7]

Dublin Bus

The second bus was delivered to Dublin Bus of Ireland in late 2008.[8][9] It was withdrawn in early 2012 and sold to Ensignbus, where it caught fire in mid-2012 due to an electrical fault.

London General

The third bus was delivered to London General and entered service in 2009. It left the fleet in early 2012. Its current whereabouts are unknown.

Replacement

The Pulsar Gemini HEV was superseded by the Gemini 2 HEV with chassis modules supplied by VDL.

References
  1. https://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/14/a-hybrid-bus-that-cuts-fuel-consumption-in-half/?guccounter=1
  2. Hybrid-double-decker bus unveiled BBC News 31 October 2006
  3. Arriva trials world's first double decker hybrid bus Arriva 16 March 2007
  4. Hybrid double-decker bus launched BBC News 16 March 2007
  5. Competition hots up on hybrids Bus & Coach Professional 21 November 2008
  6. Wrightbus double deck hybrid makes a big impression in Bath Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership 10 November 2010
  7. Civitas case study: Hybrid bus is better for Bath Clean & Better Transport in Cities
  8. New direction as first hybrid bus works cross-city The Herald 1 October 2008
  9. Dublin Bus puts hybrid-electric vehicle into service for test period Irish Times 16 December 2008

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