in
Bath. The
Wright Pulsar Gemini HEV was the
hybrid-electric variant of the Pulsar Gemini, introduced in 2006. It was the first hybrid double-decker to be built in the United Kingdom. It was based on the same
VDL DB250 chassis as the diesel Pulsar Gemini, but with the DAF engine removed and replaced with a smaller
Ford Duratorq engine coupled to a hybrid-electric driveline. Only three Pulsar Gemini HEVs were built – as detailed below – before the model was superseded by the introduction of the
Wright Gemini 2 HEV in 2007.
Production vehicles The first Wright Pulsar Gemini HEV 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 conversion to single door. The second production Pulsar Gemini HEV was delivered to
Dublin Bus of Ireland in November 2008. It was withdrawn on 31 January 2012, and sold to
Ensignbus, where it caught fire on 9 June 2012, due to an electrical fault. The third and final Pulsar Gemini HEV to be completed was delivered to
London General and entered service in January 2009. It left the fleet in early 2012 and entered service with Magtec Buses of Rotherham in 2016 until its withdrawal in 2019. == Gallery ==