FlixBus UK has announced the launch of its inaugural zero-emission long-distance coach service.
Between 21 March and June the travel technology giant will introduce a battery-electric coach on a service between London, Bristol and Newport as part of a three-month pilot program in collaboration with Newport Transport.
The Yutong TCe12, equipped with a battery capacity of 281kWh giving a claimed range of 200 miles, will be fitted with 46 seats and offer passengers USB charging points, complimentary wi-fi, and an onboard toilet. Charging will take place at Newport Transport’s headquarters in South Wales and in London. As part of the project, Transport UK London Bus (formerly Abellio) will allow use of its Battersea depot as a charging hub.
It comes after Newport Transport, which adopted Wales’ first zero-emission coaches in 2023, confirmed an order for seven Yutong GT12 Euro VI diesel coaches for its expanding FlixBus routes earlier this month.
FlixBus expects a saving of 352kg of carbon emissions per day on its designated route, which would amount to over 21 tonnes of CO2 during the pilot period. If run for a year, it could save over 126 tonnes of CO2 annually, or the equivalent of almost 18,000 car journeys, it adds.
Says Andreas Schorling, Managing Director of FlixBus UK: “This is a huge step forward for the UK coach sector, transforming the already low-carbon mode of transport to zero-emission at the tailpipe through innovative technology.
“As the first electric long-distance coach service in England and Wales, we’re sending a powerful message about our continued commitment to bring even more sustainable travel options for the public, and our determination to drive forward the change needed to reduce the impact on the climate.”
Adds David Jenkins, Interim Managing Director for Newport Transport: “Flix, as a global leader in travel tech, is the brand with passion and ambition to bring this vision to life, and we are delighted to partner on such a momentous pilot project. Newport Transport has been leading the way in bringing electric vehicles to our network of local bus services in South East Wales and into England and bringing this electric vehicle to the intercity coach market is the next big step.”on Eardley, Managing Director of
Comments Jon Eardley, Managing Director of Transport UK London Bus: “We’re delighted to be supporting FlixBus in this project to bring electric vehicles to the long-distance coach market, being charged using our ultra-fast state-of-the-art chargers.”
