National Express has will be the UK’s first scheduled coach operator to trial Yutong’s new GTe14 tri-axle battery electric coach.
Working in partnership with Pelican and Yutong, the country’s largest coach operator will launch the electric coach into service this month following a period of driver training and familiarisation.
During the four-week trial period, the GTe14 battery-electric coach will operate on National Express’s high-frequency airport routes between Stansted Airport and London, producing zero emissions at the tailpipe.
The trial period provides an opportunity for National Express to test the larger GTe14 model, which incorporates more seating and luggage space, alongside the charging technology, in a real-world operating environment while gathering feedback from both drivers and customers.
National Express’s coach has LED mood lighting, leather reclining seats, air conditioning, onboard charging, and a generous luggage allowance.
Yutong’s latest GTe14 model stands at 13,970mm long, 2,487mm wide and 3,900mm tall and has 53 seats plus a wheelchair space with a mid-door lift for access, as well as a mid-positioned toilet.
It also incorporates the same CATL battery packs featured on its existing electric vehicles, holding a standard battery capacity of 563kWh which is designed to offer an estimated range of between 250 and 300 miles.
Tom Berry, Zero Emissions Vehicle Specialist for Mobico Group said: “We are grateful to Yutong for allowing us to be the first UK scheduled coach operator to trial the newest state-of-the-art battery-electric coach, and we’re looking forward to testing the GTe14 model on our high-frequency services between Stansted Airport and London over the coming weeks.”
