Ultracapacitors boost double deck buses by reducing fuel consumption

The demand to reduce CO₂ emissions in city centres is one of the key drivers for Wrightbus to implement new technology which cuts down CO₂ emissions by saving fuel.

The integration of graphene-based ultracapacitors into test WrightBus double deck buses enables a 36% fuel saving compared to a UK based EuroVI diesel bus baseline. It also adds at least another three passengers to the capacity of these buses compared to a lithium battery-based hybrid equivalent.

Skeleton Technologies has taken Graphene from the lab to the real world:

Graphene as part of the ultracapacitor technology significantly increases power and energy density extractable from ultracapacitors whilst keeping their internal resistance low and prolonging their lifetime.

With Skeleton Technologies’ cells, Wrightbus operators are also cutting down on maintenance costs. 

Whilst the lithium battery may last around four to five years, during their one million cycles, the ultracapacitors will quietly sit undisturbed for at least seven and a half years, with an estimated life of 12-15 years.

“Skeleton Technologies’ ultracapacitors provide a major fuel saving and will reduce maintenance with a long lifetime. It is also a 'Plug & Play' solution adding safety and reliability to the vehicles.” said Mr. Mark Nodder, Chairman and CEO of the Wrights Group.

Mr. Taavi Madiberk, CEO of Skeleton Technologies commented: “Ultracapacitors have been integrated into buses before but the energy and power densities of our ultracapacitors have been key in the selection process. We are excited to be part of the CO₂ reduction drive in cities onboard with Wrightbus.”