Two stock Yutong GTe14 battery-electric tri-axle coaches will arrive with dealership Pelican Bus and Coach this month, it has said.
They will follow supply of GTe14 examples to customers Ember Core, Wattsway Travel and Westway Coach Services and arrival of an initial demonstrator with Pelican. Westway took delivery of its vehicle in January with 621kWh of battery capacity for what Pelican says is a range of 350 miles.
Westway Manager Josh West comments that the GTe14 has settled well into operation and complements existing smaller TCe12 battery-electric models with the business. The West Molesey business was the first UK customer for the latter type in 2019.
“Our TCe12s, though hugely versatile, have been held back slightly from some of our work due to their limited luggage hold capacity,” says Mr West.
“The GTe14 has got around that issue. It has been a fantastic addition to our fleet and is another milestone towards our sustainable premium transport solution. Although we have not fully tested it, with most of our work being in and around London, the range on the GTe14 is exceptional.”
The stock examples to arrive with Pelican will have 563kWh of energy storage and be PSVAR compliant, carrying 57 passengers, or 53 seated with one wheelchair user. They will have the standard tablet-based dashboard interface and come with a cream and dark blue seat trim.
Wheelchair user access is via a large, full-height centre door and a lift is mounted within the step area there.
High-specification seats are fitted, including drop-down tables, USB-A and USB-C charging points and magazine nets, while the coach also comes with mood lighting.
Pelican UK Coach Sales Manager Simon Collins has thanked Westway for its further business with the GTe14 and the Yutong brand. The latest coach “is a real credit to the company and a head turner in this distinctive colour,” he adds.
