Yutong, a global leader in commercial bus and coach manufacturing, has unveiled its latest electric vehicle (EV) innovation at the National Bus & Coach Show in Brisbane.

The new Yutong Electric Architecture (YEA), the world’s first EV-specific platform for commercial vehicles, was introduced to the Asia-Pacific market on September 17, 2024. This marks a significant step forward in Yutong’s strategy to drive green mobility across the region.

The launch coincided with the company’s “YEA Green Exploration Journey” event, themed “Think Eco, Move Green,” which highlighted Yutong’s commitment to sustainable transportation. Over 150 guests from Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, and other parts of the region attended, showcasing widespread interest in electric transport solutions.

Introducing the YEA Platform

The YEA platform represents a shift from Yutong’s traditional product offerings to a more comprehensive technological solution for commercial electric vehicles. Integrating advanced software and hardware, the YEA platform is tailored to meet the varied demands of urban transport operators.

“We are no longer just providing buses; we are driving technological innovation,” said Kent Chang, Yutong’s CEO for the Asia-Pacific region. Chang, who also serves as Vice President of the International Association of Public Transport (UITP) Asia-Pacific Executive Committee, noted that the YEA platform will play a critical role in supporting the region’s green transformation efforts.

The YEA technology offers several key advantages. With a range that is 10% longer than competing platforms and a 20% reduction in operating costs, it provides a significant efficiency boost for commercial operators. Additionally, the platform’s durability ensures that vehicles can cover up to 1.5 million kilometers with minimal downtime, while a 24/7 monitoring system offers real-time oversight for fleet managers.

E7S Bus Debut: A Solution for Urban Transit

At the event, Yutong also introduced the E7S, a compact battery-electric bus designed specifically for urban feeder routes. The E7S embodies the philosophy of “small is big,” offering a compact design that can easily navigate congested city streets while maintaining a spacious interior capable of accommodating up to 35 passengers.

With a range of 300 kilometers under SORT2 operation conditions, the E7S aims to provide an efficient, low-emission solution for metropolitan transport systems. The bus also incorporates Yutong’s seven-in-one energy management controller, which reduces energy consumption by 5%, enhancing overall operational efficiency.

Local Partnerships and Innovation

As part of its Asia-Pacific strategy, Yutong is deepening its collaboration with local partners to strengthen its market presence. In Australia, Yutong has teamed up with VDI to locally assemble its popular E12 bus, a globally recognised model. Additionally, Yutong is working with Volgren, a leading Australian bus body builder, to develop a modular electric chassis designed for local conditions. This partnership was showcased at the Brisbane event, further demonstrating Yutong’s commitment to regional innovation.

Leading the Charge in Sustainable Mobility

Yutong has long been a pioneer in the electrification of public transportation. To date, the company has delivered more than 190,000 new energy commercial vehicles worldwide, positioning it as a leader in the field. These vehicles have collectively traveled over 44 billion kilometers, reducing fuel consumption by 9.2 billion liters and cutting carbon emissions by 27.24 million tons — the equivalent of planting 140,000 hectares of forest.

Building on this success, Yutong announced its “Global Carbon Free Forest” initiative at the event, a long-term environmental effort aimed at expanding the company’s contributions to global carbon reduction. This initiative aligns with Yutong’s vision of supporting sustainable development on a global scale, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.

Towards a Zero-Carbon Future

“Yutong Asia-Pacific has proudly provided premium and reliable green solutions to over a number of customers, delivering substantial economic and social benefits,” said Chang.

“Through our YEA Green Exploration Journey, we aim to accelerate the realisation of a ‘zero carbon emission’ future. Together with our partners in the Asia-Pacific region, we are committed to advancing a greener future, driving economic prosperity and fostering sustainable development across the region.”

As the demand for electric commercial vehicles continues to grow, Yutong’s strategic pivot from product output to technology output positions the company as a key player in the global push towards zero-carbon cities.

The Asia-Pacific launch of YEA signals a significant milestone not only for Yutong but also for the broader goal of decarbonising urban transportation networks.

Visit voltsnext.com for more clean energy news and insights.