D&E Coaches trials its first electric coach

D&E Coaches is trialling its first electric coach on the Ullapool 961 Citylink service this month.

The 53-seater electric Yutong TCe14 is capable of travelling up to 280 miles per day on a single charge, is the first of its kind in the north of Scotland operator’s fleet.

D&E Coaches hopes that the trial will provide valuable insights into the performance and management of an electric fleet in the Highlands. This will pave the way for future investments in sustainable transport solutions for the business, which includes Inverness’s CitySightseeing service.

“By exploring electric vehicle technology, we hope to offer greener alternatives to our customers in the future, all while maintaining the comfort and reliability they’ve come to expect from our services” – Gayle McEwan, transport manager and director at D&E Coaches

Gayle McEwan, transport manager and director at D&E Coaches, said: “We are incredibly excited to be trialling our new electric coach on the Ullapool 961 Citylink route.

“By exploring electric vehicle technology, we hope to offer greener alternatives to our customers in the future, all while maintaining the comfort and reliability they’ve come to expect from our services.

“From spacious seating to modern facilities, the coach will continue to offer the same high standards our passengers love – but with the added benefit of being more environmentally friendly.”

D&E Coaches is the largest private hire coach and minibus operator in the north of Scotland, providing transport solutions to the Highlands for over 25 years. The award-winning transport firm specialises in contract and private hire, business hire, event transport, school bus runs and airport transfers. D&E Coaches also operates the Inverness City Sightseeing service alongside D&E Tours, which provides tourists with the opportunity to visit sights across the Highlands, including Loch Ness.