Intercity coach operator National Express has revealed plans to trial an electric coach on its high-frequency airport routes between Stansted Airport and London.
The trial will feature the introduction of the Yutong GTe14 tri-axle battery-electric coach, powered by a 140kW charger sourced from renewable energy at Stansted Airport.
Fixed charging infrastructure will enable the electric coach to operate for up to 21 hours a day, with the vehicle also able to access charging during scheduled stops and longer charging periods at the end of each day.
The GTe14 model incorporates battery packs with a capacity of 563kWh, providing an estimated range of between 250 and 300 miles.
READ MORE: National Express West Midlands invests £150m in 300 new electric buses
The trial period will serve as an opportunity for National Express to evaluate the performance of the new model in real-world operating conditions, gathering feedback from drivers and passengers alike.
The company aims to assess the feasibility and practicality of integrating electric coaches into its fleet, with a view to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable travel solutions.
Zero emissions vehicle specialist for Mobico Group, Tom Berry, said: “As the UK’s largest coach operator, we know National Express’s scale and ambition can help drive innovation in the coach market as we work towards our goal of having a UK coach fleet that produces zero emissions at the tailpipe.”
Achievements and innovations in EV charging and public transport will be celebrated at the third annual CiTTi Awards, which will be held on 26 November 2024 at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Nominations officially open in March 2024. Please visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector.
