Newport Transport orders two Yutong U11DD deckers
Newport Transport has become the first UK customer to commit to the forthcoming Yutong battery-electric double-decker bus, now known as the U11DD. The South Wales municipal signed an order at Euro Bus Expo for two examples to be delivered in mid-2023.
In completing the deal, Newport Transport has taken to 50 the number of Yutong battery-electric vehicles it has either already received or has on order. 32 E10 and E12 single-decker buses are in service and 12 more are due soon. Four TCe12 battery-electric coaches have also been ordered recently for 2023 delivery.
Presently Yutong is carrying out durability testing on a UK-specification U11DD in China. Once that is complete, it will construct a demonstrator for supplier Pelican Bus and Coach in addition to the two for Newport Transport.
As already revealed, the U11DD will have 385kW/h of battery capacity and the same driveline as the established E10 and E12 models. It leverages existing double-decker knowledge from markets in China and Singapore, and like the two single-deckers, the U11DD will be able to accept twin high-powered DC CCS2 connections for rapid charging.
Speaking about the order, Newport Bus Managing Director Scott Pearson says that good service from the existing Yutong fleet was a factor in the decision, as was the support received from Pelican. “We are confident in Yutong’s ability to build the double-decker and in Pelican’s ability to support it,” says Mr Pearson.
Adds Head of Yutong Sales Ian Downie: “We are delighted to continue our relationship with Newport Bus with this latest agreement. It was the first UK operator to both order and take delivery of production Yutong battery-electric buses.”
eVersum demonstrates autonomous-ready shuttle bus
e-Shuttle autonomous-ready electric shuttle bus makes its UK debut at Euro Bus Expo
Austrian EV manufacturer eVersum was present at Euro Bus Expo to showcase the e-Shuttle, a battery-electric shuttle bus for inner-city and airport use that can be specified in an autonomous-ready version, up to level four. Designed in-house, with an integrated electric drive axle with four-stage automatic gearbox, the e-Shuttle comes in three lengths of 5.4m, 6.9m and 8.4m, seating between 30-55 people. A modular design means the manufacturer is flexible with the door positioning and length.
Battery chemistry choices include lithium titanate oxide (LTO) and lithium, nickel and manganese (Li-Ion NMC). A low-floor design throughout, achieved through specially developed 13.5cm high battery packs placed in the floor, both gives the vehicle low centre of gravity and means interiors can be optimised for multiple duties. Battery capacity ranges from 42-84 kW/h in smaller models to 118-236kW/h in larger sizes; charging is done via a 22kwon-board charger or via pantograph-style options. Batteries are supplied by Microvast, and eVersum says it is looking at fuel cell range extender options up to 22kW.
It is the first time the bus has been presented in the UK, shortly after its exposure at an exhibition in Germany. “Historically we have had good experiences here of quantity and quality of interactions,” says Managing Partner Pete Speck, who capitalises on the fact the bus is “e-born”, with every component optimised for zero-emission application.
“It is a European-built vehicle. If you look at it, there’s nothing out there like this. It’s e-born, it’ s consequently built.”
Other features include a digital mirror-replacement system, audio-visual passenger information systems, and wheelchair ramp integrated into the vehicle floor. “We try to cater to whatever the customer needs,” adds Mr Speck. “As a market, if you have a route somewhere where you need something smaller, or where you might want to test autonomous driving down the road, this is the perfect fit.”
‘Don’t be tripped up by depot electrification’
Michael Kent of Enel X reveals that partnership working is the starting point of success for depot electrification
Enel X and its connection provider, Independent Distribution Network Operator ESP Utilities Group, show partners of Euro Bus Expo and providers of on-site charging for the Zero Emission Zone, were present at their stand to showcase charging products and promote their work in supporting operators with the journey towards depot electrification.
Michael Kent, Sales and Business Development Manager Ebus – UK at Enel X, which is currently working on five electrification projects at different depots across the UK, reveals that the company expects new electric UK bus sales to number around 600 in the year it has been active in the coach and bus sector.
“We’re trying to advise customers on what steps they need to take in order to move from diesel to electric. That’s mainly focused around the synergy between what fleet they’re looking to buy and how that relates to what they need to do at their existing depots,” explains Mr Kent. “We find that new entrants to zero-emission purchasing need their hand holding in terms of the steps they need to take,”
Mr Kent says many operators are buying buses without checking that they have an available connection. The other thing it sees is ambitious net-zero plans, though more work is needed on a sustainability and depot electrification basis. Enel X meets this challenge through phased introduction of depot electrification.
“We try and sit down with a customer – and this helps with the grid connection – and ask where it is looking to get its depot to, and when, in terms of 100% electrification. In some cases, we look at first, second and third phase. Not everyone is thinking like that. That may trip them up in years to come. The biggest challenge in depots is the the space element.”
According to Mr Kent, a full electrification vision, if rushed, can see the operator potentially losing valuable vehicle space. “It’s important that partners that we work with are flexible, and agile, to offer various types of solutions,” he adds. “In this sector, you’ve got to do it with partnerships. We’re a different part of the chain. That’s why we’re here together, with ESP, to tell the story – it starts here.”