For years, Yutong has had its eye on bringing over its electric bus technology to Australia. Its partnership with Tropic Wings allows it to be at the forefront of sustainable change

With zero-emission deadlines and sustainability targets looming closer, operators across the country are faced with one important question. To electrify or to not? 

For some, the decision is made for them, with state governments slapping down mandates with a timeline. For others, however, the choice to turn electric is one they embrace with open arms. 

Amongst the latter is operator Tropic Wings. Leading a quiet revolution in Far North Queensland, the company’s daily tourism operations have been running cleaner, smarter and more sustainably for over five years due to its move to welcome zero-emissions technology into its operations. 

Taking delivery of a Yutong E12 back in 2019, the Cairns-based company has been carving out a leadership role in sustainable transport ever since.  

Now, the company boasts a fleet of almost 40 buses, with 36 per cent already electric models.  

“Tropic Wings is showing how practical decisions today can shape a cleaner and quieter tomorrow for its passengers and community,” Yutong Queensland and Northern Territory account manager Clark Jingxin told ABC. 

“This commitment to electrification isn’t just symbolic. From scenic charters to daily shuttles through the Cairns Botanic Gardens, Tropic Wings has made electric buses a core part of its operations.” 

 The Yutong D7E and C12E models form the backbone of Tropic Wings’ electric fleet, with these particular buses selected for their range, comfort and proven performance in hot and humid environments.  

Used across the operator’s tourism, school contracts, charter and long-distance work, the electric models have helped redefine the customer experience – with driver and passenger comfort a big selling point.  

Standing by the operation philosophy of “putting customers at the centre”, the C12E boasts a new generation of luggage racks and semi-hidden brackets balancing aesthetics with practicality.  

A spacious flat floor, new-style air outlet and high-quality seating round out some of the customer-focused details that make the model a popular vehicle for passengers to hop onboard of. For the drivers, the car-like layout and multi-functional steering wheel, coupled with fully automatic headlights and wipers, make for an improved driving experience.  

The D7E combines innovative technology and thoughtful design, delivering an exceptional passenger experience that exceeds the needs of operators across Australia. 

“Safety is paramount for us,” Jingxin says. 

“The D7E is equipped with lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring and a range of other advanced safety technologies.  

“These features work together to help prevent accidents and keep passengers safe.” 

With the Yutong electric models providing a smoother, quieter and more environmentally responsible journey for passengers and drivers alike, Jingxin says none of it would be possible without the right technology behind the scenes. 

Yutong’s Link+ Telematics platform powers the day-to-day efficiency of the operation, giving Tropic Wings real-time access to energy use, fault alerts and GPS tracking. Additional local driver training and 24/7 technical support from Yutong means the team can focus on running services, not solving problems. 

“Working with Tropic Wings has been a true collaboration,” Jingxin says. 

“They’ve helped us better understand regional tourism needs and we’re proud to support their push to make sustainable transport a real-world success.” 

For Tropic Wings, the shift to electric has delivered practical business outcomes, with the company reporting a 30 to 40 per cent reduction in running costs per kilometre. Maintenance requirements are lower, vehicle availability is up and passengers are consistently enjoying the difference.  

With more than a year of daily service under their belt, the electric fleet isn’t just meeting expectations – it’s raising them. 

“It’s not just about saving money or going electric for the sake of it,” Tropic Wings general manager Colin Anderson told ABC. 

“Our passengers enjoy the ride more, and we know we’re helping keep Cairns clean for the next generation.” 

Anderson says that the feedback from the local community has been just as rewarding.  

“We’ve even had locals stop our drivers to ask about the buses. People notice the difference, especially around town where the quiet ride and lack of fumes really stand out.” 

With fewer emissions and less noise, the impact of the new fleet extends beyond the depot.  

Tropic Wings estimates its transition to electric has removed the equivalent of 2954 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, a figure comparable to planting 33696 trees every year.  

It also means clearer air and quieter streets around some of the region’s most iconic tourism destinations. 

Tropic Wings is now within reach of its goal of converting four in every five vehicles in its fleet to electric by the end of the decade, and that ambition is already influencing how other operators are setting their own fleet targets.  

From operators on the Great Ocean Road to those in Central Australia, tourism businesses across the country are watching how Tropic Wings is committing to a more sustainable form of tourism transport. 

The operator’s success isn’t just about being among the first to make the switch but about making bold choices and pairing them with the right technology partner to support it. In this case, that partner is Yutong.  

“We’re having more conversations with operators who’ve seen what Tropic Wings has done,” Jingxin says.  

“When they see it working in real-world conditions, it builds confidence and drives momentum.”