Yutong unveils new three-axle electric double-decker bus for urban use

Yutong is expanding its product lineup with a new generation of electric double-decker buses designed for urban traffic. The U12DD model, touted as the flagship for the Chinese manufacturer’s international offerings, was officially introduced on May 6th at Yutong’s Zhengzhou factory, specifically at the end of the assembly line dedicated to premium products, which we visited last year. The new right-hand drive model is primarily intended for major Southeast Asian cities, such as Hong Kong and Singapore, where double-decker buses have a long-standing tradition. In this segment, British manufacturers have dominated for decades, but they now face a formidable challenger.

Yutong’s diverse range already includes urban double-decker bus models, including the U11DD introduced last year in the UK. However, according to Kent Chang, CEO of Yutong Asia-Pacific, the new U12DD marks a breakthrough in safety, range, durability, and intelligent fleet management. The top model, with its three-axle design, is recommended for routes with high passenger volumes and sightseeing tours. It has been designed with the typically high temperature and humidity of target markets in mind and can carry between 117 and 120 passengers, depending on the configuration, with an enhanced air conditioning system capable of 52,000 kcal/h (nearly 60.5 kW).

As indicated by its model designation, the new double-decker bus inherits the design elements of the single-deck U12, featuring large black surfaces and distinctive front and rear shapes inspired by smartphones. The bus’s frame, designed for a lifespan of 20 years or two million kilometers, is made from aluminum alloy, making it not only durable but also approximately 1,300 kg lighter than a similar-sized steel structure, thanks to Yutong’s advanced corrosion protection technology.

The first U12DD model was unveiled with two staircases and three passenger doors in a 2-2-1 door configuration—a setup that has become standard in Singapore, one of the main target markets for this type, where Yutong has previously introduced double-decker models. A 2-2-0 configuration will also be available to meet Hong Kong’s preferences. Interestingly, based on released images, the two versions differ mechanically: in the two-door version, the motor drives the B-axle while the C-axle is steered, whereas the three-door version reverses this—likely to maintain low-floor design and shorter drive shafts—making the C-axle driven and the B-axle passively steered to enhance maneuverability and reduce tire wear. According to the factory brochure for the two-door version, the new double-decker measures 11,980 mm long, 2,550 mm wide, and 4,350 mm high, with lower and upper deck headroom of 2,112 mm and 1,749 mm, and seating for 19 and 55 passengers, respectively.

Despite its impressive size, the U12DD promises to be notably dynamic on paper, with a central electric motor capable of delivering a continuous output of 430 kW and a peak output of 700 kW. Thanks to this powerful motor, the bus can handle gradients of up to 30%, easily navigating the steep hills and road conditions of Hong Kong.

The new double-decker bus is equipped with a 621 kWh liquid-cooled lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, which, according to the manufacturer, has a highly favorable energy consumption rate of just 0.81 kWh/km under the UITP E-SORT 2 cycle simulating mixed urban-suburban use, allowing for a range of up to 670 kilometers on a single charge. (The factory description for the two-door version provides slightly different figures, offering battery packs of 528 or 580 kWh, with the latter achieving a range of 630 kilometers.) The drive control inverter using silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductor elements and the variable frequency water pump contribute significantly to the vehicle’s efficiency, reducing energy consumption by 10%.

Using two European-standard plug-in charging heads simultaneously, the bus can be charged at up to 350 kW, completing the process in just two hours. The Link+ intelligent fleet management service, which offers real-time monitoring, supports economical and efficient operations. Safety is ensured by Yutong’s proprietary YESS battery protection standard, which includes collision and fire protection and system monitoring features. The critical electronic components (batteries, motor, drive control) are protected to IP68+IP6K9K standards.

Yutong has delivered over 200,000 alternative drive system buses to more than 40 countries and regions worldwide. As the world’s largest bus manufacturer, the Chinese company has already introduced several new models this year, including the IC12E, the first in a premium intercity series targeting Europe, and the robust front-engine D14 intercity bus for the African market.

Photos: Yutong Bus & Coach