The battery-electric Yutong TCe12 has become the first coach to be certified as an Ultra Low Emission Bus (ULEB), the manufacturer’s representative Pelican Bus and Coach has announced.
As a result, TCe12 is now eligible to receive the 30p per kilometre BSOG Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) incentive payment in Scotland when used on qualifying work. Tests to prove the TCe12’s compliance were completed at Millbrook Proving Group during week commencing 10 August (pictured).
LowCVP welcomes Yutong TCe12 certification as ULEB
LowCVP has supported the development of the BSOG LEV incentive payment scheme in Scotland. Thanks to its certification as a ULEB, the Yutong TCe12 is eligible for the highest per kilometre payment on the tiered system.
Says LowCVP Project Manager Dan Hayes: “As many bus routes in Scotland are operated by coaches, the incentive extends to coaches that can meet the same performance as effectively zero-emission buses. The Yutong TCe12 is hopefully the first of many zero-emission coaches that can demonstrate comparable performance to buses, and further support the shift of the UK vehicle parc to net-zero operation.”
Mr Hayes adds that coaches are currently the only vehicle type that is not eligible for support through either the Plug-in Vehicle Grant scheme or other capital grant mechanisms. LowCVP is currently seeking support from government to develop Ultra Low Emission Coach and Effectively Ultra Low Emission Coach definitions that could be adopted by such schemes.
Pelican Bus and Coach ‘extremely proud’ of achievement
Pelican Bus and Coach has welcomed the certification of the TCe12 as a ULEB. Says Head of Yutong Bus UK Ian Downie: “We are extremely proud to be the first, and only, recipient of a ULEB certificate for a coach.
“The introduction of zero-emission vehicles in Scotland will play a vital part in reducing emissions from public transport. The forward-thinking support from the Scottish Government with the BSOG LEV scheme provides a real incentive for operators to look at the benefits of zero-emission vehicles.
“There are over 106,000 zero-emission Yutong vehicles in operation around the world.”