Yutong first delivery of IC12E in Europe: Italian V.I.T.A. introduces a fleet of 10 e-buses for regional operations
We tested the first Yutong IC12E delivered in Europe. The vehicle, announced earlier this year and showcased at UITP Summit 2025, was recently handed over to the Italian operator V.I.T.A. in the Aosta Valley, an Alpine region in the north west of Italy.
The first unit of the Yutong IC12E has been officially delivered in Europe. The vehicle, announced earlier this year and showcased at UITP Summit 2025, was recently handed over to the Italian operator V.I.T.A. in the Aosta Valley, an Alpine region in the north west of Italy. We had the chance to test it on 30th June.
Credit pictures: Sustainable Bus
V.I.T.A. is set to receive six IC12E intercity buses, along with four Yutong U10 models approved for Class II service. All vehicles will operate in the regional public transport network and, it’s worth noticing, will be powered exclusively by renewable electricity provided by CVA Group, a clean energy supplier based in the region, according to a partnership signed in spring 2025. It operates hydroelectric, solar, and wind plants throughout Italy, managing an installed capacity of 936 megawatts in hydro, 115 megawatts in solar, and 197 megawatts in wind. The energy provider is also in charge of building the necessary charging infrastructure across four depots managed by the operator.
The partnership reflects CVA’s broader strategic plan, which aims to reach two gigawatts of installed capacity by 2027.
Yutong IC12E: entry into the electric intercity bus market
With the introduction of the IC12E, Yutong expands its European portfolio into the electric intercity bus segment. The vehicle is part of the OEM’s broader strategy of offering zero-emission alternatives across urban, suburban, and long-distance applications.
In 2024, Yutong, known as the largest bus and coach manufacturer in terms of sales volumes, delivered a total of 47,000 buses worldwide, including 13,000 new energy vehicles. The IC12E joins the U series of city buses and updated coach models already introduced in Europe, positioning the brand to cover a full range of electrified public transport applications.
The Yutong IC12E delivered to V.I.T.A. and that we tested is a 12.66-meter-long, high-floor electric intercity bus. A 14.8-meter three-axle version is also available. The vehicle reaches a total height of 3.5 meters and provides 2.06 meters of standing room inside the cabin. The layout includes front and center doors, a wheelchair area, and a seating configuration with 47 seats (plus 5 standing passengers). It reaches up to 59 seats in the longer version. The luggage compartment offers a volume of 4.5 cubic meters.
The powertrain is based on the Yutong Electric Architecture (YEA), a native electric platform developed in-house by the manufacturer. This platform integrates proprietary software and hardware and is designed specifically for electric drivetrains.
The motor comes in two versions, delivering 215 or 250 kilowatts of continuous power, with peak outputs of up to 350 kilowatts and torque values reaching 3,800 Newton-meters.
Battery capacity is configurable between 400 and 466 kilowatt-hours (the latest being V.I.T.A.’s choice), using LFP chemistry. Under typical operating conditions, the declared range can reach 600 kilometers. The vehicle supports high-power charging (with double gun possibility) and features a closed-ring structure with electrocoating treatment, offering structural durability up to two million kilometers and over fifteen years of corrosion resistance. Core control units are capable of remote firmware updates via Internet of Vehicles connectivity.
The driver’s station features a fully digital layout with three separate displays. All systems required under GSR2 regulation are integrated, including advanced driver assistance functions. The vehicle is prepared for fleet monitoring, remote diagnostics, and predictive maintenance through Yutong’s digital ecosystem.
