Go North East (GNE) has ordered nine Yutong E10 battery-electric buses with the Chinese manufacturer’s UK agent Pelican Bus and Coach. They will enter service in 2020.
The deal takes to 24 the number of Yutong electric buses ordered in recent weeks and preceded Newport Transport’s order for 15 of the longer E12 models.
The buses will be used on services between Newcastle and Gateshead. Go North East chose Yutong after trials of various electric buses models, including an E12 (pictured). The E10s form part of GNE’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint that will also see members of its diesel fleet upgraded to reduce emissions.
Says Managing Director Martijn Gilbert: “We were delighted to have secured support from the government to help boost our investment in the introduction of full-electric, zero-emission vehicles that will make travelling in the north-east even greener.”
The 10.8m E10s will also provide “valuable operating experience for future electric vehicles,” says the operator. They will be based at Gateshead Riverside depot and be supported by overnight charging infrastructure supplied by Yutong.
Adds GNE Engineering Director Colin Barnes: “We undertook extensive trials and analysis of the electric buses currently available. Range, battery life, seating capacity, build quality and warranty were important considerations and Yutong came top in all of those areas.”
The order is the first placed by a UK operator for Yutong e-buses. The E10 has a range of over 300km on one charge, says Head of Yutong Bus Ian Downie. “The E10 is fully zero-emission with electric heating and air-conditioning. The market analysis that GNE undertook was rigorous and we are delighted that our product and support resulted in this award.”
