McGill’s Buses has ordered a further 41 Yutong battery-electric buses. They will be part-funded by phase one of the Scottish Zero Emission Bus (ScotZEB) challenge fund and take to 96 the number of Yutong zero-emission buses with the operator.
Of those on order, 10 will be the 10.9m E10 model and the remaining 31 will be the 12.2m E12. Supplier Pelican Bus and Coach previously delivered 55 E12s to McGill’s, all of which arrived before the COP26 climate change summit in November 2021.
The 41 additional buses are due to be delivered and in service in Q1 2023, subject to infrastructure work. When they are in use, almost 25% of the McGill’s fleet will be zero-emission. £9.09m of ScotZEB money will go towards the latest batch.
Says McGill’s Buses Chief Executive Ralph Roberts: “Placing this repeat order with Pelican was a very easy decision. The first two deliveries of 55 zero-emission Yutong buses were completed on time, on budget and completely without the normal teething issues that we have come to expect with new buses nowadays.
“The Yutong buses have delivered exceptionally high, reliable availability while bringing class-leading levels of electricity consumption. Our customers are impressed by their high-quality finish, and that is good for business.”
Adds Head of Yutong Sales UK Ian Downie: “It is a testament to Ralph and the McGill’s team that with this order, nearly 25% of its fleet will be zero-emission – the majority of them from Yutong. The successful introduction of the vehicles heralded a new level of calm and quietness for McGill’s passengers, and they have been widely welcomed by the travelling public.
“The driving range of the vehicles has exceeded expectations, even with the full electric air-conditioning in operation during the winter months.”
Phase two of ScotZEB was scheduled to open to applications in April, subject to a review of phase one and with lower rates of subsidy.
