Cardiff Bus has ordered 36 battery-electric Yutong E12s from supplier Pelican Bus and Coach. All will be delivered before the end of 2021 and “they will lead to a transformation of how Cardiff’s bus network is delivered,” the operator says.
The Yutongs are the fruits of collaboration between the operator and its shareholder, Cardiff Council. £5.7m has been provided towards the buses and their associated infrastructure by the Department for Transport’s ultra-low emission bus scheme.
Cardiff Bus says that after the bid for that funding was successful, it began work on an “extensive evaluation exercise” of the vehicle types available and their supporting charging infrastructure.
Managing Director Paul Dyer adds the order for battery-electric buses is “a game changer” for the Welsh capital. “When we look ahead, this investment will play a huge role in not just keeping our city moving but doing so in a green and environmentally sustainable way,” says Mr Dyer.
“This is the start of our fleet modernisation and investment plans for the future, to make us the most admired bus company in Wales and an asset to the city.”
Adds Head of Yutong Bus UK Ian Downie: “We are delighted and honoured to have received this award from Cardiff Bus. These state of the art, zero-emission vehicles will make a significant impact on transporting the citizens of Cardiff in enhanced comfort while improving air quality. We are looking forward to our partnership with Cardiff Bus to assist in generating a clean and sustainable transport system in the city.”
Mr Downie has confirmed that the buses will be completed in the UK by Pelican at its Castleford base. The order from Cardiff Bus represents further success in Wales for Yutong’s electric line-up. Pelican recently secured a further order from Newport Bus that will see that operator’s fleet of the type grow to 32 before the end of 2021.
