McGill’s Buses has become the first Scottish operator to place an order for a Yutong battery-electric bus.
It will take delivery of a pilot 12m E12 before the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP26 in November, as part of what MD Ralph Roberts says “is the start of McGill’s zero-emission journey.”
The order follows a successful trial of a demonstrator provided by supplier Pelican Bus and Coach in 2019.
Mr Roberts says that the E12’s range between charges is one of the reasons that McGill’s has chosen the Yutong product. McGill’s will wherever possible phase out the purchase of diesel-fuelled vehicles in favour of zero-emission, he adds.
Says Ian Downie, Head of Yutong Bus UK: “We are delighted that one of Scotland’s premier operators has started its zero-emission journey with Yutong and Pelican.
“We can offer zero-emission coaches and buses from Yutong. With over 101,878 Yutong electric vehicles in service around the world, they are a tried and tested, market-leading product.
“We are committed to providing the very best in class vehicles, with fast DC charging, air-conditioning, enhanced battery warranty and ample capacity and range.”
Mr Downie adds that Pelican is currently in dialogue with other operators in Scotland. It expects to announce further orders for battery-electric buses from Scottish operators over the coming weeks.
Other confirmed buyers of Yutong’s E10 and E12 battery-electric bus range are First West Yorkshire, Go North East and Newport Transport. Pelican will follow the single-deckers with a battery-electric double-decker. It also offers the TCe12, the UK’s first battery-electric coach.
