Yutong E9 to grow OEM's UK battery-electric bus line-up
The Yutong battery-electric bus range in the UK is to grow with the introduction of the mid-sized E9 model by dealership Pelican Bus and Coach. It will have a 14,300kg GVW within a length of 8.94m and a width of 2.42m, and come in two-door layout as standard with wheelchair user access at the centre.
The supplier already has orders in hand for the E9, with production having commenced and the first deliveries expected in March 2023. Pelican says the bus is “highly manoeuvrable and ideal for both rural and urban applications,” and that it will also suit demand responsive use. The E9 will sit alongside the existing heavyweight E10 and E12 models.
Fitted to the E9 will be 255kW/h of battery story and the Yutong Electrical Safety System as standard. Maximum passenger capacity will be 62, with air-conditioning part of the specification. A single 120kW motor will provide power and DC charging will be via the industry standard CCS2 protocol.
Head of Yutong sales at Pelican Bus and Coach Ian Downie says: “The introduction of the smaller E9 to our zero-emission portfolio represents an exciting addition. With three different single-deck sizes and the only zero-emission coach in the UK, the Yutong offering provides customers with real choice.
“The size and manoeuvrability of the E9 makes it ideal for a number of applications.”
ADL reveals more about in-house battery-electric range
Alexander Dennis has revealed further details of its work to offer battery-electric buses that are fully designed and integrated in-house. Alongside a new small bus already outlined, it will introduce such a double-deck product. Both are to complement the existing BYD ADL Enviro200EV and Enviro400EV models, which will continue to be sold and supported.
The development brings Alexander Dennis battery-electric products in line with the OEM's established policy of offering its own complete vehicles alongside those that use an ADL body on another party's chassis. Doing so will "ensure that customers have the widest range of solutions available to meet their individual requirements,” the manufacturer says.
Delivery of the first of the new models will be from late 2023. They will introduce a new design language developed in-house with input from students of Coventry University’s Automotive and Transport Design course. That will give the buses “unmistakeable kerb appeal and highlight their zero-emission credentials,” Alexander Dennis continues.
Unveiled so far is a teaser image of one of the new buses. Further details and drawings will be released over coming months.
An order for 10 Enviro500EV tri-axles in hand for Hong Kong operator KMB will be part of the new generation of battery-electric buses, as hinted at when it was announced in March. Meanwhile, the hydrogen fuel cell-electric Enviro400FCEV will share technology and key driveline components with the newcomers.
Says President and Managing Director Paul Davies: “Alexander Dennis continues to lead the transition to zero-emission mobility, and this unparalleled investment in the latest zero-emission technology gives operators, transport authorities and councils the freedom to choose from an even wider range of buses.
“Throughout this difficult period for our industry, we have continued to challenge our engineering team to evolve our range. The result will be a brand new fully in-house designed and integrated electric double-deck and small bus product, giving our customers access to the latest zero-emission vehicle technology from a single, trusted source.”
Success Story: Freeway Fleet Systems at Euro Bus Expo
The fleet maintenance software provider has tripled its income in the bus industry since first exhibiting in 2016. We speak to Freeway MD Patrick Tandy about how business has ‘blossomed’
Established in 1995, Freeway Fleet Systems helps fleet operators automate and digitise processes to reduce time-consuming workshop admin and maintain compliance efficiently. Freeway’s system eliminates paper on the shop floor, allowing staff to access and complete their job cards, timesheets, inspection reports and other paperwork on a tablet or smartphone.
Ready to launch
While Freeway had been successfully serving the bus and coach industry for over two decades, business expansion in this area had slowed due to a focus on existing customer sites rather than going out to market, admits the firm.
By 2016, Freeway was ready to go to market with one of the first tablet-based platforms that integrates with central asset management systems to provide live vehicle data.
“We had also rebranded, and as a company, we were growing in confidence,” says Freeway MD Patrick Tandy.
“We had a proven system already tried and tested by existing clients. So, we were ready to introduce it to a wider audience.”
Increase visibility
The firm decided that exhibiting could be an ideal way to increase its visibility in the sector. But first, some research was required to ensure it would be worthwhile.
Patrick explains: “We got someone on the phone to contact the UK's main bus and coach operators to ask the question, ‘do you go to Euro Bus Expo?’. And 84% said that they were definitely going.
“It was a no-brainer for Freeway. We thought, here’s a show that’s highly focused on the industry we want to target.”
So, the firm booked to exhibit at Euro Bus Expo for the first time in 2016 – and hasn’t looked back.
Opportunities aplenty
Turning prospects into clients can be a slow process, particularly when there’s sophisticated software involved. Exhibiting allows suppliers to nurture leads and keep in touch with them, which is one of the key benefits.
Says Patrick: “Although it's about the quality of leads, it's as much about building long-term relationships with operators and other suppliers. So, there isn't a better way to do it than to attend Euro Bus Expo.”
Then there are the opportunities to network with other suppliers in the industry.
“One of the key things about going to a show is the chance to meet other people who are targeting the same sector but have a common interest.
“For example, you've got people who supply systems that relate to Freeway because they're dealing with another part of the operation, such as ticketing, which Freeway integrates with.”
Patrick adds that getting in front of such suppliers could lead to business partnerships, and this chance to talk to people and build relationships is reason enough to exhibit.
A threefold increase
Business has “blossomed” for Freeway since exhibiting at Euro Bus Expo and subsequently its sister show Coach and Bus UK. Before 2016, less than 20% of Freeway’s business was in the bus industry. Today it’s over 50%, and the firm’s income in the bus industry has tripled.
“Euro Bus Expo was our first push at investing in exhibiting at shows, so we’re overwhelmed with the response and success we’ve had.”
And sales generated from exhibiting haven’t only come from new customers. Connecting with existing customers and finding opportunities within those businesses have been just as important.
“The impact from exhibiting at the shows on Freeway’s business has been very substantial, and the catalyst was first attending Euro Bus Expo in 2016,” says Patrick.
“Other things have happened, but if we hadn't decided to go then, it would have been difficult to get where we are now.”
Key learnings
Patrick describes the firm’s first year of exhibiting as a “big success”. It was also a learning curve, with the team coming away with a better insight on how to maximise their show presence next time.
One of the key learnings was to book early, so there’s more choice in where your stand is situated. Booking early also means you can effectively plan and carry out your pre-show publicity.
“For example, we make sure we get our press releases out well in advance to raise the profile of Freeway to customers, prospects and the press,” says Patrick.
“The visibility of being at the leading bus and coach show is a PR exercise in itself - it's important; you need to be seen to be there.”
What’s new for Freeway?
Freeway will be at this year’s Euro Bus Expo at the NEC, Birmingham on 1-3 November on Stand T62.
The firm will be showcasing its latest developments, notably integrations with other technologies such as driver inspection apps, transport operations software and onboard systems. A partnership with Stratio, for example, sees real-time vehicle data being accessed to provide actionable insights that help operators automate tasks and make more informed decisions.
“One of the big impacts of going paperless is you start collecting a lot of data, which is automatically recorded onto systems,” explains Patrick.
"We’re working with Stratio and other suppliers to use telematics data to deliver real-time predictive fleet maintenance technology. By making use of this data, operators can improve the efficiency of fleet maintenance operations.”
Exhibiting opportunities
Euro Bus Expo is the largest UK-based exhibition dedicated to the bus and coach industry, attracting decision makers from the largest operators through to owners and managing directors at the smallest family-run businesses.
For exhibiting enquiries, contact Martin Laverton at [email protected].