As reported by the bus news website Busplaner, Wrightbus subsidiary NewPower is handling the modernisation of 28 Optare Metrodecker EV vehicles being operated by Metroline. The buses are being given new electric components at NewPower’s facility in Bicester. The buses are being refurbished with new electric solutions to replace ageing components. After being kitted out with fresh gear, the buses will return to operation on London streets with Metroline.
The German supplier Driventic will contribute its electric drivetrain system, VEDS. Axles, batteries, and climate control systems in the e-double-deckers operated by Metroline will also be replaced. CATL will supply the new batteries.
Driventic is the former drivetrain technology unit of supplier Voith, which was spun off a year ago and has been operating independently since then. At the announcement in November 2025, it was stated that Driventic should establish itself as a specialist in alternative and conventional drivetrain technologies for the commercial vehicle industry.
At last year’s Busworld in Brussels, Voith presented its subsidiary even before its official launch. According to statements at the time, the new company, based in Heidenheim, intends to place a strong focus on expanding its e-mobility business. At the same time, Voith emphasised that Driventic should also strengthen the company’s market position in conventional drivetrain solutions.
Driventic’s commercial vehicle portfolio includes drivetrain solutions for trucks, buses, and off-highway vehicles, such as the electric drivetrain systems VEDS, VEDS 1.5, and VEDS 2.2. The first has been established in the market for six years; the VEDS 1.5 system has been available as an advanced version since mid-2025, and the latter was presented in the summer of 2026. All three solutions share the characteristic of being electric direct drivetrain systems.
Driventic emphasises that the drivetrain system’s compact design makes it particularly lightweight. With a torque of 3,100 Nm and a power output of 320 kW (continuous power for 30 minutes), the heavy-duty version of the e-motor is particularly suitable for solo buses, heavy articulated buses, and double-deckers. A medium-duty version with 2,850 Nm and 240 kW continuous power is also available.
busplaner.de
