Leicester city council orders 13 Yutong E12 buses
Pelican has won a contract for 13 Yutong electric buses from Leicester city council to convert its three park-and-ride services to zero emission operation. The order follows the council’s successful Transforming Cities Bid to the Department for Transport, which is believed to be the first use of the fund for buses. The fleet of zero emission electric buses will be operated by Roberts Travel Group and is due to come into operation in early 2021.
The electrification aims to cut 700,000 car miles each year from congested urban roads in the city, if drivers switch to electric buses at the park-and-ride sites at Birstall, Enderby and Meynells Gorse.
The Yutong E12s will have full air-conditioning, LED lights, USB charging points and passenger information systems. The vehicles are fitted with 422kWh batteries, and will use fast 120kW DC charging overnight at Roberts Travel’s depot.
“We are absolutely delighted to receive the tender award from Leicester City,” says Ian Downie, Pelican head of Yutong Bus UK. “Their exacting criteria for a proven zero emission bus, with detailed compliance to their vehicle and aftermarket specification, was met by our product and the team from Pelican Bus and Coach. There are over 103,000 Yutong zero emission electric vehicles in operation around the world, and we are looking forward to adding the Leicester vehicles to that number.”
Leicester deputy city mayor for environment and transportation, Adam Clarke, adds: “Electric vehicles will play a big part in our work to improve the city’s air quality, and I look forward to these buses coming into service next year.”