Chinese manufacturer Yutong Bus presented a range of battery electric buses and transport technologies at the Next Mobility Exhibition (NME) in Milan, with a focus on applications for the Italian public transport market.
The exhibition, held from 13 to 16 May at Fiera Milano, featured four electric vehicle models designed for different transport scenarios, including intercity services, urban trunk routes and local shuttle operations.
Yutong said the display reflected growing demand in Italy and across Europe for lower-emission public transport systems and vehicles capable of operating across varied urban and regional environments.
Among the vehicles on display was the IC12E intercity coach, equipped with a 465 kWh battery and a stated maximum driving range of up to 675 kilometres. The model includes 59 passenger seats and 4.5 cubic metres of luggage capacity, targeting medium- and long-distance passenger transport services.
For urban operations, Yutong also presented the U10 and U18 battery electric buses. The articulated U18 has been designed for high-capacity routes with frequent passenger turnover, while the smaller U10 is intended for use on narrower or more congested city roads.
The company also introduced the E7S minibus for short-distance and last-mile transport services. The model consumes 0.34 kWh per kilometre and is designed for use in historic districts and other areas with restricted road space.
Yutong’s electric buses are supported by what it describes as “EV Long-life Tech,” with a design life of 15 years or 1.5 million kilometres. This approach is intended to align the operational lifespan of batteries, core systems and vehicle structures over the full service life of the bus. The technology aims to address concerns among operators regarding long-term operating costs and fleet replacement cycles.
Italy has become an important market for electric buses in Europe, with Yutong reporting that more than 300 new energy buses have been delivered in the country since 2019.
The company highlighted operations in the Trentino region, where buses have operated in winter temperatures of up to -15°C and across routes with elevation changes between 1,000 and 1,500 metres.
Meanwhile, in the city of Cremona, Yutong’s E9 and E10 buses are currently operating in urban public transport networks.
Yutong plans to continue expanding its activities in Italy and other European markets as transport authorities increase investment in lower-emission public transport infrastructure.
