- Source: Yutong U11DD
The Yutong U11DD is a battery electric double-decker bus manufactured by Yutong in Zhengzhou since 2023, launched initially for the United Kingdom bus market in right-hand drive configuration.
Design
Announced in September 2022, the Yutong U11DD was developed extensively at Yutong's Zhengzhou manufacturing plant before the first demonstrators were shipped to the United Kingdom in June 2023. Externally, the U11DD shares design similarities with the tri-axle Yutong E12DD double-decker buses produced for Singapore's Land Transport Authority bus services in 2020, and carries a maximum of up to 84 passengers. Wheelchair and buggy spaces, as well as air conditioning, are provided as standard.
The Yutong U11DD is powered by a 220 kW permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor, and can be optioned with lithium iron phosphate batteries with a maximum charging capacity of either 385 or 442kWh. The bus shares electric driveline technology used in Yutong's other electric buses, such as the UK market's Yutong E10 and E9, allowing for a projected maximum range of up to 386 kilometres (240 mi) on a single charge.
Upgrades to the design and specification of U11DDs produced for the UK market, based on operator feedback, were announced by Yutong's UK distributor Pelican Yutong in October 2024 ahead of the 2024 Euro Bus Expo. A step in the lower deck gangway was replaced with a gently sloped floor, allowing step-free access up to the rear of the bus, with more headroom additionally created for passengers seated towards the rear. In the cab area, the cab door is held closer magnetically to reduce rattling, and electrically operated sunshields, handbrakes and steering wheel adjustment systems were added. USB chargers are specified as standard in the backs of each seat, stop bell buttons were wired to light up when pressed, and wall-mounted folding seats in the lower deck pull out gently.
Operators
Two demonstrators were first shipped to the United Kingdom for evaluation by bus operators in late 2023. The first operator to take delivery of U11DDs was Welsh municipal Newport Bus, a popular operator of electric Yutongs, who took delivery of two U11DDs in April 2024.
The first major order of U11DDs was placed by the FirstGroup in July 2024, with 127 set to be delivered during 2025 with funding from the central government Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA 2) scheme to First Essex, First West of England and The Buses of Somerset for service in Basildon, Bristol, Taunton and Weston-super-Mare respectively.
Molesey independent coach operator Westway Coaches took delivery of a single U11DD, equipped with seatbelted leather seats, for private hire coaching work in September 2024.
References
External links
Media related to Yutong U11DD at Wikimedia Commons
Yutong product description
