The 1,000th Yutong for the UK market has been delivered by Pelican Bus and Coach. It is one of a 17-strong batch of E12 battery-electric buses supplied to Transdev Airport Services for use at Heathrow Airport.
West Yorkshire dealership Pelican has reached the milestone figure less than 10 years after bringing the first Yutong to the UK. Its initial offering from the Chinese manufacturer was formed of the TC9 and TC12 coaches, before an expansion into battery-electric buses.
Pelican also holds the distinction of having introduced the UK’s first battery-electric coach in the Yutong TCe12. The larger, three-axle GTe14 will debut here shortly. Pelican’s Yutong bus range consists of multiple models from small single-deckers to the recently introduced U11DD double-decker. It also offers a battery-electric airside bus.
The E12s for Transdev are the first of that model with dual doors supplied to a UK buyer. They each come with 422kW/h of battery storage and are equipped with luggage racks to satisfy car park shuttle use, along with staff transport.
Transdev Airport Services Managing Director Rebecca Mupita has welcomed the E12s into service as the first zero-emission buses in the operator’s fleet.
They provide “an improved journey experience to customers and colleagues using our dedicated transfer services,” adds Ms Mupita. The 1,000th Yutong for the UK being among the newcomers “is a great way to mark our successful partnership,” she continues.
Head of Yutong UK Ian Downie comments: “We are delighted to work on such a prestigious contract that will seamlessly transport passengers to and from the airport in smooth, quiet, zero-emission comfort. It is fitting that the 1,000th Yutong coach and bus delivered will be operated at the gateway to the UK.”
Moving the Heathrow bus fleet to zero-emission is an important part of the travel hub’s shift towards net-zero, adds Head of Services – Transport and Passenger Logistics Kapaljit Jhuti.
“We’ve committed to cutting emissions on the group by 45% by 2030. Working with our partners on projects like this, we will continue towards that goal.”
