First Aberdeen has taken delivery of 24 new Yutong E12 electric single-deckers, leaving its fleet 40% emission-free.
The vehicles, which were supported by Transport Scotland through its Scottish Zero Emission Bus (ScotZEB) funding, have been put into operation today after a launch by Aberdeen City Council Co-Leaders Christian Allard and Ian Yuill, along with First Bus Scotland Managing Director Duncan Cameron.
In preparation, the operator has spent the last three months installing 16 dual-headed rapid DC charging points at its King Street depot.
These are added to the 15 First Aberdeen buses, which in January 2021 became the first hydrogen double-deckers put into service in the world.
The new buses are fitted with lithium iron phosphate batteries which are plugged to have a range of 370km. It is calculated they will save 1,500 tonnes per year of CO2 emissions versus the diesel equivalents they will replace.
Mr Cameron says: “The arrival of these buses marks the latest in our series of steps to decarbonise our operations as we aim to be emission-free by 2035.
“We are incredibly proud to bring more sustainable travel to Aberdeen joining the hydrogen buses already in operation, and I’m sure it will encourage even more people to leave cars behind in favour of environmentally conscious bus travel that will help to reduce congestion and improve air quality in our city.
“We’re looking forward to hearing feedback from our customers as we continue our investment into greener travel.”
Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Ian Yuill adds: “It’s great to see the introduction of the 24 new electric vehicles to First’s fleet. These new electric buses will make a positive contribution as Aberdeen moves towards its net zero targets.
“First’s investment in non-polluting electric buses not only reduce the emissions on our roads. It will hopefully encourage more people onto the bus and out of their cars as they move around Aberdeen.”
Ian Downie, Head of Yutong UK, further adds: “We are absolutely delighted to supply First Bus with these state-of-the-art zero-emission vehicles. The customers will benefit not only by improved air quality, but also full electric air-conditioning and a smooth, quiet, and comfortable ride. The vehicles have been developed in collaboration with the First Bus team and feature enhanced specifications for the passengers.”
