Pelican Bus and Coach, the UK’s Yutong importer and dealership, has announced that the TCe12 zero-emission electric coach is the first ever coach to be certified as an Ultra-Low Emission Bus (ULEB). The Bus Services Operators’ Grant (BSOG) Low Emission Vehicle incentive in Scotland means the TCe12 is now eligible to receive a 30p per kilometre rebate, as it has attained ULEB status.
The vehicle completed the test at Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedford earlier in August.
Ian Downie, Head of Yutong Bus UK commented: “Pelican are extremely proud to be the first ever, and only, coach recipient of the ULEB certificate.
“The introduction of zero emission vehicles in Scotland will play a vital part in reducing emissions from public transport. The forward thinking support from the Scottish Government with the BSOG LEV scheme provides a real incentive for operators to look at the benefits of zero emission vehicles.
“There are over 106,000 zero emission Yutong vehicles in operation around the world, all contributing to reducing emissions.”
Dan Hayes, Project Manager at LowCVP, commented: “LowCVP have been evaluating vehicle performance over the last two decades to support government policy with robust data to inform funding of greener and cleaner buses. The LowCVP Bus Working Group has been critical in developing the certification schemes for incentives such as the £48m Ultra-Low Emission Bus Scheme which funded over 270 electric buses and infrastructure in England and Wales in 2019.
“The Yutong TCe12 is hopefully the first of many zero emission coaches that demonstrate comparable performance to buses and further support the shift of the UK vehicle parc to a net-zero operation.
“Currently coaches are the only vehicle type that is not eligible for support from government through the Plug-in Vehicle Grant or other capital grant schemes. The LowCVP are currently seeking support from government to develop an Ultra-Low and Effectively Zero Emission Coach definition that could be adopted by schemes such as the Plug-in Vehicle Grant.”
