Electric vehicles have revolutionized today’s transportation sector. Recent news reveals that National Express has trialed the Yutong GTe14 EV coach in London[1]. This move captures the widespread focus on the electric coach market. As concerns about climate change increase, the demand for eco-friendly alternatives becomes a priority. In this guide, we will explore the top 5 electric coaches worth investing in for 2024.
Key Takeaway: Top 5 Electric Coaches’ Dimensions, Pros, and Cons
| Electric Coach Models | Dimensions | Pros | Cons |
| Yutong T12E | Length 12.37 metersWidth 2.5 metersHeight 3.61 meters | High driving range (over 500 km)Long-lasting battery and fast charging (1.5 hours)Award-winning exterior & interior design, comfortable coach bus seatAdvanced safety features | Moderate capacity (51+1+1 seats) |
| BYD K11M | Length 18.49 metersWidth 2.59 metersHeight 3.4 meters | Safe battery technologyHigh speed (65 mph) | Longer charging time (4-8 hours)Shorter range (311 km)Moderate passenger capacity (55 seats) |
| AB Volvo 7900 | 12 meters:12*2.5*3.3 (meters)18 meters:17.8*2.5*3.3 (meters)18.7 meters:18.5*2.5*3.3 (meters) | Roof solar charging featureCustomizable & High passenger capacity (95 seats~145 seats) | Crowded spacePremium pricing |
| Yutong C13E | Length 12.37 metersWidth 2.5 metersHeight 3.61 meters | Easy control and intelligent drivingAesthetic designFlexible seating (52/54/58 seats) | Lower battery capacity (suitable for shuttles, not long-distance) |
| Mercedes-Benz eCitaro G | Length 18.13 metersWidth 2.55 metersHeight 3.40 meters | Spacious interior (up to 146 passengers)Modern designLuxury features | Premium pricing |
Step One: Draft Your Requirement List
Before getting your hands on an electric coach, it’s important for operators to make several preparations so that you have an insight into what electric coach you need. It assists them in ensuring a smooth transition to electric vehicles. Here are some key considerations:
Infrastructure Evaluation
Assessing the availability of charging infrastructure is critical. For that, determine whether there are sufficient charging stations present along planned routes and at depots. Also, evaluate the compatibility of charging connectors and power capacity as per your electric coach model.
Technical Specifications
Understand the technical specifications of the electric coach models under consideration. Compare factors like driving range, charging capabilities, passenger capacity, battery, and onboard amenities.
Moreover, ensure that these specifications meet the essential operational needs, route requirements, and passenger demands.
Maintenance and Support
Before deciding on an electric coach, research the availability of repair and support services for the specific model you are interested in. Also, consider the warranty coverage and repair services offered by manufacturers to ensure the optimal performance of your electric vehicle.
Regulatory Compliance
Stay informed about regulatory and safety standards related to the electric coach fleet in your region. It may include emissions regulations, vehicle safety measures, and required certifications for electric vehicles. Also, familiarize yourself with potential incentives such as grants, tax credits, or subsidies offered by relevant governments.
Step Two: Consider the Factors to Choose the Best EV Coach
Having outlined the essential criteria for your ideal E-coach, we now move on to the next part, weighing these requirements against critical factors to identify the best EV coach for your unique needs. This step is crucial as it bridges the gap between your vision and the practical aspects of selecting a digital guide that truly aligns with your goals and preferences.
Range and Battery Life
A longer range can alleviate the frequency of recharging and enhance operational flexibility. So, before purchasing, evaluate the EV coach’s range. Likewise, consider a high-quality battery with a longer life that ensures reliable performance.
Energy Efficiency
Assess the energy efficiency rating before investing in the electric coach. It impacts overall operating costs and the environment. Look for features that maximize energy utilization and operational costs.
Safety Features
Prioritize safety capabilities such as efficient braking systems, intelligent technologies, stability control, and more. These features enhance passenger safety and alleviate the risk of accidents on the road.
Durability and Reliability
A robust electric coach can withstand daily usage, varying weather conditions, and related operational issues. For that, consider the durability of the materials used and the reputation of the manufacturer when selecting a reliable product.
Comfortableness
When it comes to offering a pleasant experience for passengers, consider the ease and comfort of the electric coach. For that, consider the interior design, seating arrangements, noise levels, and other amenities.
Integrated Platform (Dashboard)
Consider a user-friendly dashboard with intuitive controls that provide real-time monitoring of battery status, energy usage, and performance indicators.
A Detailed Comparison of the Five Best E-Coaches
Now that we’ve honed in on the key factors essential for selecting the perfect E-coach, it’s time to put these insights into action. Below is an evaluation of the leading E-coaches. This detailed comparison will allow us to see how the best electric coach in the market measures up against your specific requirements and industry standards, ensuring that the final choice is not just a good fit but the optimal one for your business toward success.
Yutong T12E
Yutong T12E is a super luxury electric tourist bus manufactured by a reliable Chinese brand. They offer a high driving range of over 500 km and ultra-long battery life. This innovative Yutong coach bus offers efficient charging that takes only 1.5 hours to recharge fully. In comparison to others, this bus offers a high passenger capacity with 51+1+1 seats. The T12E has a special design that won the Busworld Design Award. It has a friendly smile at the front and mirrors shaped like rabbit ears on the outside. This fusion of aesthetics and practicality elevates its overall appeal and functionality. Its ergonomic design and sustainability make it a preferable choice among employee- and customer-driven bus companies.
BYD K11M
BYD K11M is another prominent electric coach that offers a reliable experience. It integrates LFP batteries, which are the industry’s safest, longest-lasting, and most versatile power source. This EV bus has the capacity to carry 55 passengers and travels at a high speed of 65 mph. But in comparison to the Yutong T12E, it offers a range of 311 km. Also, it takes 4–8 hours, a much longer time to recharge fully.
AB Volvo 7900
The AB Volvo 7900 is one of the top-recognized brands in the electric vehicle market. They offer you high flexibility to tailor the passenger capacity (95~145 seats) and charging solutions as per your operational needs. They offer 95 passenger capacity in their 12-meter-long model, so the interior space will be more crowded than other electric coaches. Its premium pricing is based on its roof solar charging feature, supported by Opp Charge technology.
Yutong C13E
Yutong C13E is an efficient electric coach that offers an exquisite appearance and pledges comfort or ease. It is equipped with intelligent integrated systems to alleviate driving fatigue—the barrel-type combination instrument, integrated button layout, and intelligent central control are making the driving routine smarter, easier, and more delightful. This is a 52-seater coach, but it can also be tailored to offer 54 and 58 seats. In comparison to other models, this Yutong electric coach has a slightly low battery capacity of 350 KWh, so it is suitable to be a shuttle bus rather than a long-distance traveling coach.
Mercedes-Benz eCitaro G
The Mercedes-Benz eCitaro G is an articulated electric bus that is designed for heavily frequented routes. With its spacious interior, this 18-meter-long electric bus can accommodate up to 146 passengers. It offers flexible charging options, including fast charging capabilities. They have additional luxury features and premium interiors compared to Yutong and BYD models. However, this electric bus comes on the list as one of the most expensive coaches.
Conclusion
In short, if you are looking to invest in a reliable electric coach, you can consider any one of the top choices based on your budget and requirements. Choosing the ideal electric coach for investment in 2024 involves balancing performance, sustainability, and cost. The Yutong T12E excels in range and charging speed, while the BYD K11M offers safety and versatility. Volvo’s 7900 provides flexibility and premium features, and the Yutong C13E balances comfort with operational efficiency. The Mercedes-Benz eCitaro G targets luxury, large traffic flow transit. Each model presents a unique value proposition, and the best choice depends on specific operational needs and long-term goals, with sustainability and future readiness as key considerations.
Reference:
[1] National Express Trials Yutong’s GTe14 Electric Coach. Available at: https://bus-news.com/national-express-trials-yutongs-gte14-electric-coach/ (Accessed April 30, 2024)
