Major UK electric bus repowering program selects VEDS
● Driventic’s VEDS electric drive system is being deployed
in NewPower’s first electric-to-electric repowering project.
● 28 Metrodecker EVs are being comprehensively upgraded
for Metroline.
● Project highlights the growing role of repowering in extending
the operational life of electric bus fleets.
Driventic’s VEDS electric drive system is
playing a key role in a major electric bus repowering program in the UK, with
28 Optare Metrodecker EVs undergoing comprehensive upgrades for
operator Metroline. The project, being delivered by Wrightbus subsidiary
NewPower at its facility in Bicester, Oxfordshire, marks NewPower’s first
electric-to-electric repowering program and represents an important
development in the growing market for upgrading existing electric bus fleets.
For Driventic, the project demonstrates how its VEDS electric drive
technology can support operators and retrofit specialists as the electric bus
market continues to mature.
Supporting the evolution of electric fleets
As electric buses become an increasingly established part of public
transport networks, operators are looking at ways to maximize the
operational life and value of existing vehicles. Electric-to-electric repowering
provides an opportunity to do this by replacing key vehicle systems with
modern technology, allowing existing buses to benefit from significant
upgrades without the need to replace the complete vehicle.
As part of the project for London operator Metroline, NewPower is
undertaking extensive work on the 28 vehicles, including the replacement of
the axles, powertrain, and HVAC systems. Existing battery systems are also
being replaced with new energy storage systems from CATL, with Grayson
supplying the new HVAC equipment. Driventic’s VEDS electric drive system
forms a central part of the upgraded powertrain.
Only gold-standard equipment is being installed
John McLeister, Managing Director Sales at Wrightbus Group, said: “In the
repowering of the Metrodecker EV fleet, we install only gold-standard
equipment such as Driventic’s VEDS electric drive system to ensure
maximum sustained performance and efficiency.”
Florian Rehm, Key Account Manager at Driventic, said: “Electric bus
technology continues to evolve rapidly, and repowering provides an
important opportunity to bring existing vehicles forward with the latest
available technology. We are delighted that NewPower has selected VEDS
for this significant program. It is a strong example of how our technology can
support the next stage of an electric vehicle’s operational life, while working
alongside leading partners across the wider supply chain. We look forward
to seeing these vehicles return to service and demonstrating the benefits
that a comprehensive repowering program can deliver for operators.”
Electric-to-electric repowering represents important area of growth
The Metroline program reflects a wider shift within the electric bus market,
as fleets that have been in operation for several years reach a point where
upgrading key systems can offer an attractive alternative to vehicle
replacement.
For Driventic, electric-to-electric repowering represents an important area of
growth for its VEDS technology, providing opportunities to work with
operators, manufacturers, and retrofit specialists to support the continued
transition to zero-emission public transport.
The company’s involvement in the NewPower program further strengthens
its position as a technology partner for the next generation of electric bus
applications.
About Driventic
Driventic is the specialist for efficient drive technologies in commercial
vehicles. Whether for use in e-mobility or conventional drives, Driventic’s
complete systems and digital services are drivers of the mobility transition –
because they enable manufacturers and operators alike to sustainably
operate their trucks, buses, and off-highway vehicles. The company’s 1,400
employees at 26 locations in 18 countries are dedicated to one mission: to
combine ecology with technological progress in the service of efficiency.
This is what Driventic understands by ‘Mobility beyond today’.
Driventic has been on the market since November 1, 2025. The company,
which is based in Heidenheim, Germany, is a spin-off of parts of the drive
systems division of international technology group Voith. All Driventic’s
products, systems, and digital services are technological refinements and
advancements of Voith solutions.
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