BYD delivers first B12 buses as Uno launches uni service

Hertfordshire-based Uno today launched five BYD B12 battery-electric buses, which are the first examples of the model delivered in the UK.

The University of Hertfordshire-owned operator will use the buses for the newly branded “Electric Shuttle” between the campuses and the site’s park-and-ride from the end of this month.

A further 22 buses are set to be delivered to Uno for the service in two phases in September this year and April 2026, with the manufacturer of the remainder yet to be confirmed.

The BYD B12 was introduced in 2023 and shown to the UK market in Uno colours at Euro Bus Expo in November 2024.

The 11.8m-long bus is able to pack in 93 passengers and has a claimed range of more than 300 miles.

Jim Thorpe, Managing Director for Uno, says: “It’s great to come together today to celebrate the beginning of a greener, cleaner future for Hertfordshire’s buses.

“This is a significant milestone for all of us and highlights Uno’s commitment, as well as that of our key partners at Hertfordshire County Council and the DfT (Department for Transport), to deliver sustainable, reliable transport for our local communities.

“Everyone at Uno, along with our parent company the University of Hertfordshire, is delighted to be part of this journey as we look ahead and continue ‘powering up to get down to zero!”

Phil Bibby, Executive Members for Highways at Hertfordshire County Council, adds: “It’s inspiring to see the future of transport arriving in Hertfordshire. These new electric buses are more than just vehicles, they represent cleaner air, lower emissions, and a better travel experience for university students initially, but all Hertfordshire residents eventually.

“I’m proud of our partnership with Uno and the DfT, and I can’t wait to see the positive changes this brings to our communities. This is just one of many initiatives we’re supporting to encourage residents to opt for more sustainable methods of transport than the car.”

The 27 buses are funded via the government’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme in a collaboration between Hertfordshire County Council and Uno.