Leicester City Council (LCC) has agreed to purchase a further 10 Yutong battery-electric buses for operation on contracted services by Centrebus.
Around £4 million of government funding will go to the procurement, with the latest Yutongs to sit alongside 24 that are already owned by the city council and in use with multiple operators on park-and-ride duties, the Hop! shuttle, and Hospital Hopper and Orbital routes.
Centrebus will use the latest arrivals on services 20, 24, 81, 83 and 162. By the end of 2026, operator members of the Leicester Buses Partnership will have around 200 battery-electric vehicles in service across that network.
Further growth will come beyond that, with 50 more joining Arriva by March 2027, and an additional 15 in 2028. At that point, the Leicester bus network will have transitioned to almost entirely electric operation.
LCC says that the latest Yutong purchase “is another major milestone in the Leicester Buses One Network Partnership,” which brings together the local authority and the city’s bus operators to deliver a simpler, more integrated network built around five customer promises: electric, frequent, reliable, easy, and great value.
That partnership is creating coordinated provision on around 30 main bus lines with common standards for vehicles, ticketing, information, branding, and customer experience.
Comments Assistant City Mayor (Environment and Transport) Cllr Geoff White: “This latest investment is another significant step towards delivering one of the cleanest and most modern bus networks in the country.
“Every new electric bus improves air quality, reduces carbon emissions, and provides a more comfortable journey for passengers. Together with our operational partners, we are creating a simpler, greener network that encourages more people to choose the bus.”
Pelican Bus and Coach will supply the 10 Yutong vehicles, with Head of Yutong UK Ian Downie noting that they will be delivered in Q1 2027.
Centrebus Managing Director David Brookes adds: “We are delighted to be introducing these new electric buses onto supported services across Leicester. They will provide a better experience for our customers while supporting the city’s ambitious environmental goals.”
