Yutong Bus is a renowned bus manufacturer based in China. As a leading global bus maker, the brand has years of industry experience. Its products cover various segments, such as city buses, coaches, commuter buses, and special mobility vehicles. Over the years, Yutong has exported thousands of buses to several countries worldwide, accounting for more than 10% of the global market share. So is it worth investing in Yutong electric buses? This article provides a comprehensive review to answer this question.
Three Series of Yutong Electric Buses
Yutong offers comprehensive electric bus solutions tailored to meet varying mobility needs. The company’s three prominent series prioritize functionality and rider experience. These include:
1. E Series
Ranging 7-12m, this affordable, clean Yutong electric bus series suits local routes or large communities and branches with close stops. There are two popular models:
E7S
At just 7m, this agile electric city bus smoothly navigates narrow streets with a turning radius of less than 17m. Its top features include:
- 134kWh lithium-ion battery for sustained runtimes
- <17m turning radius for narrow streets and tight maneuvers
- No disturbance to the neighborhood with whisper-quiet operation
- Low-floor 3.8sqm cabin accommodating up to 30 passengers
- Integrated safety features meeting the YESS standard
E9
Suitable for branches, the 9m E9 conveys 62 in a spacious interior. Its key characteristics include:
- Independent air suspension absorbing bumps and potholes
- Large battery capacity of 255kWh enabling a range of 220 to 340+ km on one charge
- USB ports at every seat offer a convenient power source for riders
- Energy-efficient HVAC maintaining passenger comfort in all weather
2. E Pro Series
In the 12-18m range, the E Pro Series boasts an upgraded appearance and serves arterial routes linking major hubs. Two popular Yutong electric bus models in this series include:
E12 Pro
Seating 61 swiftly inside, the E12 Pro battery electric bus features an upgraded appearance and various amenities. Its sleek looks appeal to choosy clientele. Its top characteristics include:
- Large rear-view mirrors enhancing visibility all around
- Intuitively adjustable interface and customizable intelligent display
- Advanced matrix clear headlights for visibility and safety
- Universal design facilitates accessibility for all passengers
E18 Pro
Suitable for arteries, the E18 Pro electric bus can carry 160 passengers in spacious luxury. It handles long daily schedules. The key features that make E18 Pro popular include:
- Full LED lighting decreases energy use and increases lifespan
- Four wide doors decrease boarding/alighting times
- Vast interior space accommodating up to 160 seated passengers
- Automotive-grade imported suspension absorbing vibrations
3. U Series
The 12-18 meters U Series is the most advanced Yutong electric bus series. The double-decker U11DD satisfies dense urban demands for layered seating. Its vertical space yields 82 downstairs and 24 upstairs passenger seats, ready for busy stops. The U18 is another popular model. It features:
- Fashionable and cutting-edge design provides dynamic aesthetics for the streets
- Durable headlamps with a service life of up to 50,000 hours
- Humanized design of low-floor structure and ergonomic passenger seat
- Dual battery options (563kWh or 462kWh)
- Extended driving range of over 500km under SORT 2 with the 563kWh battery
Key Attributes Reviewed
As one of the leading electric bus manufacturers, Yutong focuses on technology and performance. Various Yutong electric bus models fulfill daily mobility needs while reducing emissions through advanced drivetrains. Some of their key attributes include:
1. Technology
Yutong pioneers battery-electric powertrains. Yutong integrates the new generation of high-safety super-energy batteries in its electric buses. These batteries feature water and fire resistance, robust structure, and high energy density. Yutong electric buses also boast intelligent commercial vehicle cockpits, IoV (Internet of Vehicle), and other technologies.
2. Performance
Different models boast different attributes. The U12 seats up to 72 quickly on its 12m frame, well suited for broad thoroughfares such as arterial roads and main highways. The E9 carries 62 on its 9m, ideal for medium-sized groups and efficient urban transport. The compact E7S, with a capacity of 30 on its 7m frame, is perfect for navigating narrow streets and delivering the last mile in urban environments.
3. Charging
Yutong utilizes OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) for standardized connections to fast- and slow-charging points. On-board management optimizes energy use from wires. The double-gun charging technology allows for 1-hour fast charging.
4. Design
Yutong electric bus models like the U12 boast integrated exteriors in dynamic curves, complementing spacious leather-floored interiors. Its full-LED lights illuminate ahead elegantly. With its delicate design, the U12 has won the Busworld Design Award.
5. Safety
Yutong’s rigorous YESS (Yutong Enhanced Safety Standard) rigorously ensures structural and electrical protections. The pioneering nitrogen protection system eliminates the possibility of internal fire and realizes double isolation and fire prevention inside and outside the battery pack at 1300°C for 2 hours.
6. Comfort
Features like the U12’s air suspension seats absorbing vibrations and convenient barrier-free design prioritize comfortable trips.
Service Cases of Yutong Electric Buses
As the world transitions to greener mobility, Yutong’s zero-emission buses connect communities sustainably. Yutong has sold over 190,000 units to over 100 countries and regions, and its electric buses have collectively traveled 40 billion kilometers. This equates to a substantial reduction in carbon emissions by 16 million tons, or planting 130,000 hectares of trees. Some of the service cases include:
Norway
In the famously frigid Kirkenes, Norway, 224 Yutong buses have operated. Defying cold, their driving range barely reduces in the Arctic Circle. At a mere 1.56kW/h consumed, the buses slash costs and carbon substantially.
France
Yutong leads with over 700 sales and they are growing. Iconic operator RATP chose Yutong to electrify routes between rural towns via the long-distance ICe12. Constant innovation merits recognition from Keolis and Transdev as well.
UK
The UK appreciates comfortable, responsible transit. Yutong answered with luxurious touring and urban E-Series models. Over 900 units serve 100+ municipalities, gaining trust from coach firms. By 2022, Yutong electric bus sales increased by 51% as the nation embraces clean, people-focused mobility.
Conclusion
Overall, Yutong’s electric buses prove their worth through quality and performance. Models like the spacious E18 Pro showcase innovative technologies combined with rider comfort. Case studies demonstrate resilient operation across extreme climates and networks. As one of the premier bus manufacturers powering fleets globally, Yutong delivers safety-driven electric vehicles. Investing in Yutong electric buses means embracing emission-free transportation. Visit Yutong’s website to learn more about its comprehensive clean transportation solutions.