Rightech RB6 tested in Germany
German operator Ruhrbahn Essen has tested the Rightech RB6 electric minibus on neighbourhood routes in Werden and the surrounding area. The operator looked to see how it performed for reliability, range and technical requirements. For insurance reasons, no passengers were carried during the test.
The RB6 is a fully low-floor, accessible minibus, measuring 5.99m in length, 2.8m in height, and 2.06m in width. It can accommodate up to 22 people, including 12 seated passengers and one wheelchair space. Both the passenger area and the driver’s cabin are air-conditioned, with temperature settings adjustable by the driver. The RB6 has a range of approximately 180km.
“It is agile, reliable, has a high battery range and above all offers a great way to help operators transition from diesel buses to a zero-emission fleet” – Rightech’s European Bus Managing Director, Erhan Eran
Rightech’s European Bus Managing Director, Erhan Eran, said: “The RB6 is designed for smaller routes such as the ones it has been tested on by Ruhrbahn Essen. It is agile, reliable, has a high battery range and above all offers a great way to help operators transition from diesel buses to a zero-emission fleet to improve air quality in towns and cities across Europe.
“Initial feedback has been largely positive, with praise for passenger comfort, seat layout, and wheelchair user space, as well as good handling even when turning. We’re looking forward to continuing our conversations with Ruhrbahn Essen as it decarbonises its fleet.”
“The hilly terrain in this region presents significant technical challenges for these buses” – Project manager, Jörg Wentscher
Project manager, Jörg Wentscher, said: “The RB6 is now the second electric vehicle we’ve tested here in Werden and the surrounding area. The hilly terrain in this region presents significant technical challenges for these buses. Now, the RB6 must demonstrate how well its materials perform – and especially how it lives up to its stated range – in order to potentially be used in regular route service.”
Launched earlier this year, Rightech was created by Wrightbus to bring affordable electric vehicles to customers across the UK and Europe.