The Yutong battery-electric bus range in the UK is to grow still further with the E9L, which dealership Pelican Bus and Coach says is a development of the existing E9 model.
The E9L comes with an extended front overhang to allow the boarding of wheelchair users via the front door in a change to the E9, which requires a centre door for that task. The revised model comes in at 9.5m in length and 2.4m wide, placing it at around 60cm longer than the E9.
It is understood that the E9L has been developed quickly by Yutong following market feedback. Head of Yutong UK Ian Downie says that 11 of the longer model are on order for a single customer, the identity of which will be announced shortly. The first of those are due here in Q1 2024.
Mr Downie says that some customers had requested “a more traditional access” to the E9. “We were delighted to bring this new version to the UK. It can be used for conventional bus operations, and with its E9 relation, offers even more flexibility for demand responsive transport as well. It has the fit and finish of a full-size bus but in a midibus envelope.”
Existing E9 models with Leicester City Council and operated by Centrebus on the new fare-free Hop! Service in the city have generated good reviews, Mr Downie adds. The type has also been demonstrated on Jersey.
The E9L will have the same driveline as the E9, Pelican has confirmed. That includes 255kW/h of energy storage, a 120kW motor and DC charging via a CCS2 input.
