Pelican Engineering: 36 Yutong e-buses delivered in Cardiff (with Zenobe taking care of chargers)

Pelican Engineering has delivered a new fleet of 36 Yutong E12 zero-emission single-decker buses to  Cardiff Bus, in Wales (UK). The fleet was commissioned in spring 2021. Another large delivery of Yutong e-buses by Pelican Engineering took place in Scotland.

The new fully-electric fleet was unveiled at a launch event in the city with guests and the general public able to see the new vehicles and speak to members of the Cardiff Bus team about this latest advancement in the transformation of the bus network in Cardiff.

As already announced in summer 2021, the EV fleet and battery storage specialist Zenobē has financed and implemented the charging infrastructure for the 36 vehicles and an end-to-end software solution to manage fleet charging, as well as the resulting power requirements.

A quarter of Cardiff Bus fleet electrified

Pelican’s technicians undertook the full fit-out and commissioning and of the buses, the UK dealer of Yutong states. They are kitted out with next stop audio and visual announcements, and USB ports for the convenience of customers during their journeys.

The investment into this new infrastructure is a collaboration between the bus company and its shareholder, Cardiff Council, after a successful bid for funding from the Department for Transport’s (DfT) Ultra-Low Emissions Bus Scheme. 

The purchase of the fleet marks the start of the operator’s fleet modernisation plans, with the new vehicles accounting for 24% of its fleet.

Pelican Engineering – Cardiff Bus

Ian Downie, head of Yutong Bus UK for Pelican commented: “It was a pleasure working with the Cardiff team. After an in-depth tender process, we worked with the team to produce these state-of-the-art zero emission vehicles. With over 127,000 zero emission Yutongs in service, completing 27 billion kilometres of operational service, the vehicles are tried, tested and proven. Cardiff’s specification required a number of UK supplied components to be fitted, which our team of UK engineers in Castleford completed over the past six weeks.

“The full air conditioning, WIFI with USB charging vehicles, are not only zero emissioned, but also smooth and quiet in operation, demonstrating Cardiff Bus’s commitment to bring environmentally friendly and enhanced customer centric vehicles to the population of Cardiff.”

Paul Dyer, managing director at Cardiff Bus said: “We are extremely proud to unveil our new fleet of 36 fully electric buses. It is a huge step in not only our goal to reach zero emissions, but also our goal of providing a first-class service to our customers. Cardiff Bus has been committed to providing travel for the people of our city for nearly 120 years, and we are extremely proud of the part we play in city life. We take our role in improving the air quality in Cardiff very seriously and we know that this development is going to be instrumental in ensuring city life can continue in a more green and sustainable fashion.”

Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport, Cllr Caro Wild said: “It is great to see the new fleet of electric buses on the streets of Cardiff, and they will play an important part towards our clean air and carbon neutral ambitions for the city. These modern vehicles will significantly improve the customer experience and are great for the environment, as they produce zero exhaust emissions and reduce noise pollution as well.”   

Steven Meersman, Co-Founder of Zenobē, says: “We are delighted to be partnering with Cardiff Bus to facilitate the launch of its electric offering and help grow sustainable transport in Wales. This project could not have happened without close collaboration between Cardiff Bus, the Welsh government, Pelican/Yutong and Zenobē. Our charging infrastructure and intelligent flexible power solution will enable Cardiff Bus to futureproof and  charge its new fleet reliably and efficiently. We’re excited to be boosting accessibility to sustainable travel and clean air across the city and supporting a swift transition to a low carbon future.”