First Bus has announced that it is partnering with Yutong and Zenobe. Together they will roll out nine new electric E10s, produced by Yutong and supplied by Pelican Engineering, in Hunslet Park, Leeds in May 2020. The vehicles will be used on a Leeds Park & Ride contract.
The vehicles will be part of FirstGroup’s successful Ultra-Low Emission Bus Scheme (ULEB) funding announced earlier this year. Charging infrastructure and on-board batteries will be match-funded and installed by Zenobe Energy. Leeds City Council’s ‘Clean Air Leeds’ initiative was set up to tackle the issue of the city’s air pollution in order to help improve air quality in the city.
Jon Harman, Head of Fleet at First Bus, said: “First Bus is proud to be helping to improve air quality in Leeds with these new vehicles, which will benefit from innovative electrification technologies. We are delighted to be partnering with Pelican and Zenobe in this joint venture.’
Ian Downie, Head of Yutong Bus UK, added: “Pelican is delighted to receive this valuable order from First Bus. The supply of our zero emission vehicles, with electric air-conditioning, will not only improve the air quality, but will provide an enhanced passenger experience.”