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.

Initial users

Arriva London

The first vehicle was unveiled by Mayor of London Ken Livingstone in October 2006. 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.
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.

Dublin Bus

The second bus was delivered to Dublin Bus of Ireland in late 2008. It was withdrawn in early 2012 and sold to Ensignbus, where it caught fire in mid-2012 due to an electrical fault.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The Pulsar Gemini HEV was superseded by the Gemini 2 HEV with chassis modules supplied by VDL.