Gwynedd’s new electric buses, designed to encourage sustainable travel and reduce car usage, have finally arrived on the public transport network. The TrawsCymru T22 service, which operates between Caernarfon, Porthmadog, and Blaenau Ffestiniog, features six Yutong E12 electric buses. These buses offer features such as USB and wireless charging, digital screens, and mood lights.
The service aims to provide more frequent and reliable connections for local communities and tourists, promoting sustainable tourism and reducing car journeys. The project, which began in October 2020, faced delays in the delivery of the e-buses, but the service was launched in February 2024.
The new electric buses in Gwynedd offer a range of features to enhance the travel experience and promote sustainable transportation. These buses, part of the TrawsCymru T22 service, provide passengers with USB and wireless charging options to keep their devices powered throughout the journey.
Additionally, the buses are equipped with large on-board digital screens that display real-time information along the route. A unique feature includes red mood lights mounted under rear aisle seats, creating a pleasant ambiance for travelers.
While the buses lack air-conditioning except in the driver’s cab, they are designed to offer a smooth and quiet ride through the scenic routes of Gwynedd. Overall, these state-of-the-art electric buses aim to provide a luxurious and eco-friendly mode of transportation for both locals and tourists
The Yutong E12 electric buses have a seating capacity of 39 passengers and can accommodate 31 standing passengers, totaling up to 70 passengers in the United Kingdom.
The Yutong E12 electric buses have a range of up to 200 miles (320 km) on a single charge, making them suitable for operating a full-day service.
The Yutong E12 electric buses are equipped with lithium iron phosphate batteries with a maximum charging capacity of 442kWh. Additionally, the Yutong E12 buses in Singapore have large-capacity lithium iron phosphate batteries with a capacity of 375kWh. Moreover, another source mentions that the Yutong E12 model has lithium-ion batteries with a capacity of 295 kWh, split into 16 batteries (9 in the rear and 7 on the roof).
The Yutong E12 electric buses have a charging time of approximately two hours. Additionally, advancements in charging technology now allow for super-fast charging on Yutong electric buses, with the potential for even a heavily depleted bus to be fully replenished in a short amount of time.
