The Yutong U18 is the articulated bus model belonging to the new generation e-bus family by the Chinese group. We have been testing the vehicle on the roads close to Malpensa airport, where it operates for Arriva Italy.

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Yutong U18 electric articulated bus test drive

The bus is in operation since beginning 2024 and operates for 12 hours-day, with a mileage of over 300 km per day. 18.7-meter long, the Yutong U18 has a passenger capacity of up to 120 people. 

It features two ZF AxTrax electric axles for a power output of 250 kW each. Batteries are provided, as usual, by CATL: based on LFP formula, on the vehicle there is room for 564 kWh.

The U series is tailored for European market and is headed to replace, over time, the current E range in Europe. Yutong has a production capacity, in Cina, of 12,000 buses, and registered 480 e-buses in Europe in 2023.

Highlights

Driver shortage pushes bus depots toward automation

Europe’s public transport operators are entering a period where staffing pressure and fleet electrification meet in the same place: the bus depot. Around 105,000 bus and coach driver positions remain unfilled across Europe (IRU figures cited in sector analyses), and a meaningful slice of working tim...

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