Wright Pulsar

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Wright Pulsar
Arriva North West Wright Pulsar bodied VDL SB200 in Bolton in May 2013
Overview
ManufacturerWrightbus
Production2006 - 2014
AssemblyBallymena, Northern Ireland
Body and chassis
Doors1 or 2
Floor typeLow floor
Low entry
ChassisVDL SB200
RelatedWright Pulsar Gemini
Powertrain
EngineCummins ISBe
Hydrogen fuel cell
Dimensions
Length11.90 metres
Width2.50 metres
Height3.00 metres
Chronology
PredecessorWright Commander

The Wright Pulsar was a single-decker bus body built on the VDL SB200 single-decker bus chassis by Wrightbus between 2006 and 2014.

A total of 639 Pulsars were built. Arriva was the main customer, with large numbers entering service at its Kent Thameside, North West, Midlands and Yorkshire divisions. First London purchased eight hydrogen-powered Pulsars. Additionally a number of independent operators also purchased Pulsars. A double-decker version of the Pulsar was also produced as the Pulsar Gemini.

First generation (2006–2013)[edit]

First London Wright Pulsar 2 hydrogen-powered bodied VDL SB200

The Pulsar was launched at the 2006 Euro Bus Expo as the replacement for the Commander. It was also intended to replace the VDL SB120 based Cadet midibus; however, no shorter Pulsars were built. Of the 114 produced, all bar eight entered service with Arriva.[1]

First London purchased eight hydrogen-powered Pulsar bodied VDL SB200s for use on route RV1 between 2010 and 2013. The hydrogen fuel pods are fitted to the whole length of the roof on top of the buses.[2]

Second generation (2009–2014)[edit]

The second generation Pulsar, known as the Pulsar 2, was launched in 2009. The Pulsar 2 features facelifted front and rear ends to match the new Eclipse 2.

The first examples were delivered to Arriva's North East and North West divisions in 2009. Of the 525 produced, Arriva purchased 462. The final two Pulsar 2s were delivered to Claribels Coaches of Birmingham in April 2014.[3]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Wright Pulsar Bus Lists on the Web
  2. ^ Mayor of London unveils hydrogen bus fleet for the Capital Transport for London 10 December 2010
  3. ^ Wright Pulsar 2 Bus Lists on the Web

External links[edit]

Media related to Wright Pulsar at Wikimedia Commons