Flix, a leading passenger transport provider, has unveiled plans for the debut of its pilot program for the first 100% electric long-distance coach service in England and Wales. Scheduled to run from March 21 until June 2024, the pilot service will operate on a FlixBus route between London and Bristol in England, extending over to Newport in South Wales.
This initiative marks Flix’s foray into offering long-distance coach services with zero tailpipe emissions, a significant development in the sustainable transportation sector. The three-month trial, conducted in partnership with operator Newport Transport, will feature the 46-seat Yutong TCe12 electric coach.
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The electric coach service aims to be accessible to all, with ticket prices starting at just £2.99. Passengers can expect the same amenities as traditional FlixBus services, including a toilet, USB charging points, and free Wi-Fi. The service also accommodates passengers with wheelchairs.
The Yutong electric coaches will be charged at Newport Transport’s headquarters in South Wales and in London, with Transport UK London Bus (formerly Abellio) allowing the use of its Battersea depot as a charging hub for the project.
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Newport Transport recently expanded its partnership with FlixBus to offer services across Wales and the Southwest. The company has ordered seven diesel buses from Chinese manufacturer Yutong, emphasizing its commitment to sustainable transportation solutions. The partnership is now spearheading the trial of the first long-distance fully electric coach service in England and Wales, leveraging Yutong’s cutting-edge electric bus technology.
The Yutong TCe12 electric coach boasts a maximum power of 350 kW, equipped with a water-cooled motor and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries from CATL. The coach offers a range of over 200 miles on a full charge, making it the UK’s first zero-emission long-distance coach.
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In Newport, where Newport Transport is the primary provider of municipal bus services, the company operates 60% of its daily local bus services with zero tailpipe emissions. The new zero tailpipe emission coach services will connect London, Bristol, and Newport, providing environmentally friendly transportation options for passengers.
Flix has established itself as a pioneer in interregional zero tailpipe emission transport. The company has also partnered with Freudenberg and ZF to develop hydrogen-powered buses for intercity services, focusing on fuel cell development and hybridization strategies for powertrains.
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Andreas Schorling, Managing Director of FlixBus UK, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “This is a huge step forward for the UK coach sector, transforming the already low-carbon mode of transport to zero-emission at the tailpipe through innovative technology.”
