Wright Gemini 2

For the bodywork built for Volvo chassis, see Wright Eclipse Gemini 2.
Wright Gemini 2

A Wright Gemini 2 HEV operated by First London on Kilburn High Road
Overview
Manufacturer Wrightbus
Body and chassis
Doors 1 or 2 door
Floor type Low floor
Chassis Integral with chassis modules built by VDL - officially known as VDL DB300
Powertrain
Engine Gemini 2 DL:
Cummins ISBe 6-cylinder
Gemini 2 HEV:
Ford Sigma
Transmission Gemini 2 DL:
Voith/ZF
Chronology

The Wright Gemini 2 is a double-decker bus that built by Wrightbus between 2007 and 2013. It was announced in December 2007 but was not named until 2008. It was constructed as a semi-integral vehicle, with VDL DB300 chassis modules. The bodywork utilized some lighter materials so that the vehicle is lighter than the Eclipse Gemini and Pulsar Gemini-bodied buses. It is available in two versions; the diesel-powered version (known as the Gemini 2 DL), and the diesel-electric hybrid version (known as the Gemini 2 HEV).

Versions

The Gemini 2 was launched in 2007 as the replacement for the Pulsar Gemini. It is semi-integral, being based on the updated VDL DB300 chassis. The first prototype Gemini 2 was produced with identical bodywork to the original Pulsar Gemini; however, on subsequent production models, the front and rear ends of the body have been facelifted to match the Volvo-based Eclipse Gemini 2.

In total, 475 Gemini 2s were built between 2007 and 2013, all but thirteen of which were bought by Arriva for use in both London (328 buses) and amongst provincial subsidiaries across the country. First London were the only other customer, taking nine. The remaining three vehicles were demonstrators, two of which were delivered initially to London General, and the remaining vehicle to Dublin Bus. The majority of Gemini 2s built were the diesel Gemini 2 DL version; only thirteen hybrid Gemini 2 HEVs were built, all between 2007 and 2009.

Gemini 2 DL

The Gemini 2 DL is offered with Cummins ISBe 6-cylinder engine with Voith or ZF gearbox.

Gemini 2 HEV

The Gemini 2 HEV is offered with Siemens series hybrid drive system with a 2.4 litre 4-cylinder Ford Sigma engine for power generation.[1]

Unveiling

The Gemini 2 was unveiled in the Euro Bus Expo 2008 which was held in November 2008, with one of the five Gemini 2 HEVs for First London appearing on the show. These five Gemini 2 HEVs were put into service in January 2009.

Service

The first Gemini 2 DL entered service with London General in early 2009, followed by four Gemini 2 DLs for First London shortly afterwards. Arriva had also introduced Gemini 2s for UK operation in and outside London.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Navarro, Xavier. "A hybrid bus that cuts fuel consumption in half". Autoblog. Retrieved 21 November 2015.
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