November 10, 2026
Major UK electric bus repowering program selects VEDS
HEIDENHEIM, GERMANY. 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.
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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.
Highlights at a glance
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.
Only gold-standard equipment is being installed
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.
John McLeister, Managing Director Sales at Wrightbus Group
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.
Florian Rehm, Key Account Manager at Driventic
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.
Contact
Sebastian Busch
Vice President Brand & Communications
Phone +49 7321 746 2052
Sebastian.Busch@Driventic.com
Download press kit
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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.