The Chinese bus manufacturer Yutong has started series production for the new generation of the electric double-decker U12DD. The model is set to bring comprehensive improvements in the areas of safety, durability, energy efficiency, comfort and intelligent functions.
The first next-generation Yutong U12DD has now rolled off the production line in the Chinese city of Zhengzhou. Li Jia, Deputy CTO of Yutong High-End and International Engineering, explained that the launch of the U12DD is not only a product improvement, but also a strategic realisation of Yutong’s high-end strategy for new energy buses.
Kent Chang, CEO of Yutong Asia-Pacific, added that this model achieves “comprehensive breakthroughs in safety, range, durability and intelligent management, demonstrating Yutong’s profound commitment to green mobility solutions.”
The U12DD battery-electric double-decker is Yutong’s flagship vehicle for international markets and could be attractive for use in the UK, for example, where Yutong already has a number of customers and double-deckers are widely used. For example, the bus operator First Bus has already ordered the sister model U11DD. In addition to the public transport version, there will also be a sightseeing version.
The new U12DD has been designed to meet the sustainable transport requirements of different cities while providing optimised solutions for demanding operating environments such as high temperature, high humidity and intensive usage scenarios, Yutong wrote.
The electric bus is twelve metres long and has a layout with three doors and two staircases. It offers space for up to 120 passengers and boasts a long range of up to 670 kilometres thanks to its 621 kWh battery. The EU-compliant dual-gun charging with a maximum output of 350 kW should enable a full charge in about two hours. Equipped with the Link+ fleet management system and the intelligent cockpit system, it enables remote monitoring, precise scheduling and intelligent operation.
The newly revised U12DD model will be the first to be launched in Singapore, where more than 1,000 Yutong buses are already in operation. The revised electric double-decker is also intended to demonstrate Yutong’s continuous progress on the international market. The company states that it has exported around 110,000 buses and manufactured around 200,000 new energy buses.
yutong.com
