Xplore Dundee has unveiled 12 Yutong U11DD battery-electric double-deck buses, which are the first of their type to be delivered to an operator in Scotland.
The £8.4 million investment by parent McGill’s Group is supported by a £2.7 million grant from the second round of the Scottish Zero Emission Bus (ScotZEB2) challenge fund.
Infrastructure upgrades have been made at the Xplore Dundee depot to support expansion of its zero-emission fleet, with the U11DD delivery following an earlier batch of BYD Alexander Dennis Enviro400EV battery-electric double-decks.
The new buses are fitted with 422kWh of battery capacity and can carry 84 passengers. They have saloon air-conditioning as standard and take to 121 the number of zero-emission buses across McGill’s Group fleets. 30 more Yutongs – for Midland Bluebird – are due in the summer.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop attended the launch of the U11DDs. “This brings our total investment to McGill’s Group, through three previous rounds of subsidy for zero-emission buses and charging infrastructure, to over £25m,” she notes.
“This has encouraged early investment and has resulted in 121 zero-emission buses being introduced for its customers since 2020. This means high levels of passenger comfort, zero emissions, and better air quality for people and communities in Dundee and across Scotland.
“This could not be achieved without the leadership and ambition we have seen from Xplore Dundee and McGill’s in our shared ambition to protect the climate and encourage more sustainable bus travel.”
McGill’s Group Chief Executive Tony Williamson hosted Ms Hyslop. She was shown the work that has been done to support the zero-emission transition at the Xplore Dundee depot.
Says Mr Williamson: “Owners Sandy and James Easdale have made a tremendous investment in McGill’s Group, and this latest addition to our electric fleet is a testament to their commitment to sustainable transport.
“Their vision and dedication have enabled us to take bold steps in making zero-emission travel a reality for thousands of passengers every day.”
Pelican Bus and Coach supplied the Yutong U11DD buses for Xplore Dundee, and Zenobē is responsible for charging infrastructure. The latter supplier leads the ScotZEB2 consortium that secured the Scottish Government funding for the vehicles.
