The Anonymous Widower

The Prototype Affordable Zero-Carbon Small Car Has Just Been Designed

The Wrightbus Ultroliner EU6, is their latest diesel bus.

The product page has this sub-heading.

A Choice Of The
UK’s Most Efficient
Diesel Buses

Two paragraphs give full details of the bus.

The StreetDeck Ultroliner EU6 is available with two ultra low emission efficient diesel engine choices: the new Cummins 6.7 litre 6 cylinder and the current Mercedes 5.1 litre 4 cylinder engine. Our StreetDeck EU6 Ultroliner and its engine choices remains the UK’s favourite. All these buses can be repowered at mid-life to zero-emission BEV technology with NewPower.

The new Cummins ISB6.7 litre six-cylinder diesel engine, married with the latest Voith DIWA.8 NXT 7-speed transmission. Two power options are available: 250Hp / 187Kw, 1000Nm and 300Hp / 224Kw, 1200Nm. With a large 245L fuel tank, this StreetDeck is ready to go the distance, wherever the journey takes it. Its MH3 technology helps lower fuel consumption during frequent stops on busy roads and improves the overall footprint and ride quality. Where ultra clean diesel buses are seen as the only option at this time, there is no better bus than the low emission StreetDeck Ultroliner range.

So you get a modern bus, that can be converted to zero-carbon at an appropriate time.

But nothing is said about conversion to hydrogen, which I believe is the ideal fuel for a large vehicle.

So I asked Google AI, if a Wrightbus Ultroliner can be converted to hydrogen-power, and received this answer.

Yes, the Wrightbus StreetDeck Ultroliner EU6 can be converted to hydrogen power. Wrightbus has engineered the diesel StreetDeck Ultroliner platform to be forward-looking, allowing operators to retrofit these vehicles mid-life with Cummins hydrogen internal combustion engines.

Here are the key details regarding this conversion and technology:

Adaptable Design: The StreetDeck Ultroliner was specifically designed to bridge the gap between traditional diesel and zero-emission options, making it possible to switch to hydrogen or battery-electric powertrains later in the vehicle’s life.

Hydrogen Internal Combustion: Instead of a fuel cell, this retrofit converts the diesel engine to run on hydrogen gas, providing a cost-effective route to zero emissions for existing operators.

Shared Platform: The diesel Ultroliner shares a similar “feel and features” with the purpose-built zero-emission Hydroliner (Hydrogen Fuel Cell) and Electroliner (Battery) buses, making the structural integration of alternative systems more straightforward.

Alternative Conversion Options: Third-party companies, such as Equipmake, specialize in “repowering” Wrightbus StreetDeck models to zero-emission, offering to convert diesel vehicles to electric in a short time frame, although the primary official pathway mentioned by Wrightbus for the Ultroliner is hydrogen-combustion.

The Wrightbus StreetDeck Hydroliner FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle) was the world’s first production hydrogen double-decker bus, providing proven technology in cities like Aberdeen, Belfast, and London.

Note.

1. The original Cummins diesel engine is converted to hydrogen fuel.
2. In Cummins Fuel-Agnostic X Series Platform, I show a Cummins video, which explains their philosophy of convertible engines with trucks.
3. Conversion to natural gas is also possible.
4. It would appear that the Cummins ISB in the Ultroliner  has a hydrogen version, that can be created by changing the fuel system and the cylinder head.

I wouldn’t be surprised, if Cummins told me, that they could make a convertible diesel, that could power a small hatchback.

Out of curiosity, I asked Google AI, “What is the power of a diesel Mini” and received this answer.

The power of a diesel Mini depends on the model (One D, Cooper D, or Cooper SD) and the generation, with power outputs ranging from approximately 88 bhp to 170 bhp. Diesel Minis are known for high torque and excellent fuel economy rather than just top-end speed.

Here is a breakdown of the power figures:

1. MINI Cooper SD (2.0L Diesel)

Power: Typically 143 bhp (105 kW) to 170 bhp (125 kW).

Torque: 305 Nm to 360 Nm (225–265 lb-ft).

Performance: The 170 hp 2.0-litre diesel in the 2015-2018 range is often called a “diesel hot hatch,” featuring a 0-62 mph time of around 7.3 seconds.

2. MINI Cooper D (1.5L – 1.6L Diesel)

Power: Usually between 110 bhp and 116 bhp.

Torque: 270 Nm (199 lb-ft).

Performance: Offers a good balance of fuel economy and punch, with a 0-60 mph time of around 9.4–9.7 seconds.

3. MINI One D (1.4L – 1.5L Diesel)
Power: Approximately 75 bhp to 95 bhp.

Performance: Designed for maximum fuel efficiency and lower tax bands, with lower power output compared to the Cooper models.

Key Takeaways:

Most Powerful: The 2.0L Cooper SD is the most powerful, often producing up to 170 hp.

Torque: Diesel Minis often have high torque at low revs (around 1750rpm), making them quick for overtaking and city driving.

Generation Differences: Older R56 models (2007-2014) often have 1.6L diesel engines, while newer F56 models (2014-2024) use 1.5L or 2.0L engines.
Reliability: These engines are BMW-sourced (N47 or B37/B47) and generally considered reliable.

As there are large numbers of companies around the world, who claim they can convert cars and other vehicles, and engines to hydrogen power.

Out of curiosity, I asked Google AI, “Has Anybody Built A Hydrogen-Powered Mini” and received this answer.

Yes, BMW built a hydrogen-powered MINI Cooper prototype in 2001.

Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2001, this car was not a fuel-cell vehicle, but rather a hydrogen-burning internal combustion engine car.

Key details about the 2001 MINI Cooper Hydrogen:

Engine: It used a modified version of the MINI’s 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine designed to run on hydrogen.

Technology: It was unique because it used cryogenic liquid hydrogen and injected it while super-cooled, which increased engine efficiency and performance,  setting it apart from other hydrogen experiments at the time.

Packaging: Engineers managed to place the contoured hydrogen tank under the rear seats, meaning it did not sacrifice cabin or cargo space compared to a standard Mini.

Legacy: While not mass-produced, it was a significant prototype in BMW’s long-standing research into hydrogen technology.

Other Hydrogen “Mini” Projects:

Mini Mirai RC Car: Toyota and Tamiya built a 1/10th scale hydrogen-fuelled remote-controlled car in 2021. It used a small fuel cell and hydrogen canisters to run for twice the duration of a conventional battery-powered RC car.

Small Engines: Israeli firm Aquarius Engines has developed a 10kg hydrogen-powered engine intended for use as a range extender, which has passed independent testing.

Conclusion

I believe that in the next few years, a serious manufacturer will release a diesel car that can be converted to hydrogen power.

Eventually, this will mean that government can withdraw fossil fuels for road vehicles.

 

March 15, 2026 - Posted by AnonW | Artificial Intelligence, Hydrogen | BMW, BMW Mini, Cummins, Google AI, Hydrogen-Powered Buses, Hydrogen-Powered Cars, Toyota, Wrightbus Ultroliner