Yutong electrics launched at Newport Transport
Newport Transport has launched two new Yutong U11DD electric double-decker buses and 11 new E9L Yutong single-deckers to its fleet.
Newport Transport’s fleet now boasts 57 fully-electric buses, which represents 80% of the regular non-school operation. These new vehicles mark another significant step towards the company’s ambition of an all-electric fleet by 2028.
The Yutong U11DD double-decker electric buses have 70 seats and will provide cleaner journeys on its high-capacity routes, such as the 30 and X30 routes linking Newport to Cardiff. Its new E9L single-deckers have a shorter design with a smaller body, making them suitable for the routes that the company were awarded following tender in March 2024 in Monmouthshire and Newport.
“Our continued partnership with Newport has again demonstrated our ability to respond to customer requirements” – Ian Downie, Head of Yutong UK
Ian Downie, Head of Yutong UK, said: “Newport Transport required a narrow-bodied, short-length, single-deck zero tailpipe-emission electric bus with full air conditioning, with a forward twin-leaf door. Our continued partnership with Newport has again demonstrated our ability to respond to customer requirements. We are delighted to have developed this vehicle for Newport Transport’s design brief.
“The E9L builds upon our experience with over 180,000 zero-emission vehicles in service, with 40.7 billion km of operation. The vehicles share the same industry-leading safety systems, with lithium iron phosphate chemistry batteries, which are widely considered to be the safest chemistry available.
“The vehicles have been completed in the UK by Pelican Engineering and will be supported by Pelican and Newport Transport’s trained technicians. We are proud and honoured to work with David and the highly professional Newport team in bringing this midi bus, which is compact with no compromise.”
David Jenkins, Interim Managing Director for Newport Transport, said: “These new additions to our electric fleet are another step in our journey towards an all-electric fleet. I’d like to thank Yutong and Pelican for their commitment to re-engineering their E9 product to bring a single-door electric midi bus to the UK market. This midi bus has high passenger capacity, while its smaller size allows us to serve the space-restricted areas of our Newport network and the more remote parts of our expanding operation.”