First Trial Electric Single Deck in York

Interesting news from fellow blogger Scott Poole who runs his own blog based in the Yorkshire area is that First are trialling an Electric Single Deck vehicle in York. He has kindly sent his photograph and the story regarding this vehicle.

First York 62990 YK66CBC Yutong E12LF Green Electric Saloon

The latest vehicle to be trialed at York is this very interesting Yutong Electric saloon. It was first exhibited at the 2016 Euro Bus&Coach Expo held at the NEC in Birmingham. It was also in full Arriva livery and operated in the North West, well Merseyside, in early 2017, it later moved on to Whippet of Cambridge and then in late 2017 it was spotted working with Nottingham City Council on the electric routes.

The bus arrived in York just before the close of 2017, stored until needed for trials in early 2018. With the addition of fleet number 62990 and the stylized First York logo the bus was good to go into service. Which commenced a little later then planned on Thursday January 4th 2018.

Scott caught up with the vehicle on Wednesday January 10th 2018, while 62990 was working on the Designer Outlet service 7 for the day.

Yutong commenced trials of the E12 vehicle in France in 2016, with a vehicle in Paris and later Leon, were the bus performed a 13 hour day covering some 107Kms each day. As the title E12 suggests the bus is 12Ms in length, with a width of 2.55Ms. It has 16 battery power packs, nine in a pod upon the roof, while the remaining seven are housed in the engine bay area.

With Yutong's own Electric motor the YTM280-CV9-H which with this vehicle 295kw/h output, with a torque range of 2,400nm, this bus packs a punch when in drive mode. For the passenger it offers reasonable comfort in the form of basic plastic seats with a thin cloth covered cushions. USB power charging sockets and information screens. With a light coloured interior the bus is functional and practical for the type of short distance services of the Park & Ride network.

You can read a more detailed look at the vehicle by going to Scott's blog here http://www.scottpoolesbusblog.com/modern-vehicles

Many Thanks to Scott for sharing the story with us.

Grahame.