28 London electric double-deckers get new drivetrains in Bicester refurb

Twenty-eight Optare Metrodecker EV double-deckers operated by London operator Metroline are being re-equipped with new electric drivetrains, batteries, axles and climate control systems at the Bicester facility of NewPower, a Wrightbus subsidiary, as German supplier Driventic confirmed its VEDS system will go into the vehicles. Busplaner first reported the programme.

The deal gives Driventic, the former drivetrain technology unit of Voith spun off a year ago and based in Heidenheim, a visible reference project in the UK bus refurbishment market. CATL will supply the replacement batteries. Once the vehicles are kitted out with the new hardware, they will return to service on London streets with Metroline.

What does this change for operators?

For operators of ageing first-generation electric buses, the project demonstrates a mid-life refurbishment path that extends vehicle life without full fleet replacement. NewPower handles the modernisation at Bicester; Driventic contributes the electric drivetrain; CATL delivers the energy storage. Each partner occupies a distinct tier — integrator, drivetrain supplier, battery supplier.

Who is Driventic?

The company emerged from Voith's drivetrain technology unit, which was presented at Busworld in Brussels even before its official launch. At the November 2025 announcement, Voith stated that Driventic should establish itself as a specialist in alternative and conventional drivetrain technologies for the commercial vehicle industry. Voith also emphasised that the spin-off should strengthen the group's market position in conventional drivetrain solutions, while the new company itself intends to focus on expanding its e-mobility business.

What is in the VEDS portfolio?

Driventic's commercial vehicle range covers trucks, buses and off-highway vehicles with three electric direct drivetrain systems (meaning the electric motor drives the axle directly, without a conventional gearbox):

• VEDS — on the market for six years and the system specified for the Metroline refurbishment
• VEDS 1.5 — an advanced version available since mid-2025
• VEDS 2.2 — presented in summer 2026

Driventic stresses the compact, lightweight design of the systems. The heavy-duty e-motor delivers 3,100 Nm of torque and 320 kW of power (continuous rating over 30 minutes), targeting solo buses, heavy articulated buses and double-deckers. A medium-duty version offers 2,850 Nm and 240 kW continuous power.

What to watch next

Watch for the first refurbished Metrodeckers returning to London routes — the timing of that milestone will indicate turnaround speed at Bicester. Also worth tracking: whether Driventic converts this single UK order into further retrofit contracts with other operators, and how quickly VEDS 2.2 moves from presentation to serial applications.