Yutong is preparing to drive forward the progress of green mobility in Australia when it launches the U18 to the local industry next year, Tiarna Condren reports

Australia’s city bus networks are evolving fast and growing in demand.

With an increase in passenger patronage and pressure mounting on sustainability targets, operators are looking for bigger, smarter and greener ways to move people from point A to point B.

While trains and trams play a key role, there’s a critical gap they can’t always fill. One that calls for a high-capacity, flexible solution, like the articulated bus.

Yutong’s soon-to-launch U18 electric articulated bus is designed to meet this need head-on, offering a powerful combination of size, smarts and sustainability.

“There’s been a clear gap in the Australian market when it comes to 18-metre zero-emission solutions,” Yutong account manager for NSW and ACT Allen Shaw told ABC.

“The U18 is the result of extensive R&D, local market feedback and our global experience in delivering large-format electric vehicles.

“It’s designed to meet the performance, safety and efficiency needs of operators now and into the future.”

The U18 electric bus is packed with smart technology designed to boost efficiency and cut costs. At the heart of the vehicle are two powerful 240kW electric motors with dual-axle drive control which help recover twice as much energy during braking compared to standard setups.

The model also features Yutong’s proprietary IES_c intelligent energy-saving system, along with a coasting mode that together deliver a 3.1 per cent improvement in overall energy efficiency.

Its high-efficiency motors stay in their peak performance range more than 90 per cent of the time, which helps extend the bus’s driving range. Under SORT2 standard testing conditions, the U18 consumes as little as 0.9 kWh per kilometre, making it one of the most energy-efficient 18-metre battery electric buses on the market.

“Our goal with the U18 was to set a new benchmark for energy efficiency in the 18-metre electric bus segment,” Shaw says.

“By combining powerful dual motors with intelligent energy management, we’re not only extending range but also helping operators significantly cut operational costs.”

From the frame to the finer details, the U18 is built with safety front and centre.

“We know operators and passengers are expecting more when it comes to safety, especially in larger electric vehicles,” Shaw says.

“That’s why we’ve built the U18 to withstand some of the toughest scenarios on the road, from collisions to rollovers and everything in between.”

The front structure has been reinforced to deliver greater protection for the driver in the event of a head-on collision, meeting Australian standards while exceeding recognised international safety benchmarks (ECE R29 and ECE R93).

As with all of its product lines, key components like batteries are reinforced with anti-collision beams and protective covers, helping reduce maintenance costs and downtime after accidents.

The lithium iron phosphate batteries themselves are highly thermally stable and have been tested rigorously for safety under extreme conditions such as needle penetration, extrusion, high temperatures, short circuits and immersion.

To take things a step further, Yutong has also implemented a comprehensive active safety system for the batteries. This includes a Yutong long-term oxygen isolation and highly reliable nitrogen protection system, a high-temperature fireproof structure, a liquid thermal management system and 24-hour smart monitoring.

“We have worked hard to ensure our battery protection system is of top standard,” Shaw says.

“It’s designed not just to respond to issues but to prevent them from happening in the first place.”

On the road, safety is further enhanced by an electronic braking system, or EBS, integrated with ABS and ASR, offering shorter stopping distances and improved stability.

Additional features like Hill Start Assist and Brake Hold help prevent rollbacks and improve safety in stop-start urban environments, and thanks to the proven HÜBNER articulated system – turnable, the U18 handles tight turns and slopes with ease, with a 54-degree turning angle and 35kN shock absorption capacity that keeps the vehicle stable, even on challenging routes.

While the U18 is impressive on the road, it’s just as smart behind the scenes. The use of a silicon carbide-based integrated controller allows for a maximum efficiency of 99 per cent. This high-efficiency control reduces failure rates, enhances vehicle availability and reduces maintenance costs.

Yutong has also made smart design decisions that make life easier for technicians. A redesigned exterior skin structure allows for easier access during servicing, cutting down on time and labour costs.

“We understand that every minute a vehicle is off the road costs money,” Shaw says.

“That’s why we’ve made maintenance access as smooth as possible.”

With components like the battery, motor and electric controller all meeting IP68 and IP6K9K standards for water resistance, the U18 is also built to handle extreme weather, including water immersion events like flash flooding.

A full-body cathodic electrophoresis coating ensures corrosion protection for over 15 years, and with a lifespan succeeding 20 years, this is a vehicle designed to deliver long-term value.

Of course, when it comes to the U18, it’s not just all about the function.

The U18 makes a statement on the street with sleek black curved panels and minimalist exterior lines, earning the Busworld Design Label at the Belgium Bus Expo in 2019. The runway-style front combination lights feature circular daytime running elements, while the rear taillights incorporate Yutong’s signature three-ring motif, offering brand distinction and a futuristic edge.

Inside, the cabin has been tailored specifically for the Australian market, with colour schemes and finishes selected to reflect local preferences. A flat roof and three-colour ambient lighting enhance the cabin’s spaciousness and elegance.

“Our operators are increasingly focused on the full passenger experience, from visual appeal to comfort and accessibility,” VDI national sales manager Sara Clark told ABC.

“That’s why the U18 will be available in both 2-door and 3-door configurations, supporting faster boarding and disembarkation on busy urban routes.”

To further support comfort during peak loading, the U18 features a fully climate-controlled interior that maintains consistent cabin temperature even when doors remain open for extended periods.

The driver’s cockpit is equally considered, with a high-surround layout that separates the driver from passengers for better focus and safety. Features like an electromagnetic door lock, adjustable dashboard and independent climate controls provide optimal working conditions for the driver.

“We’ve put just as much thought into the driver’s area as the passenger space,” Clark adds.

“A more comfortable driver is a safer, more alert driver.”

With a capacity of up to 92 passengers, a gross vehicle weight of 26 tonnes and a top speed of 90 km/h, the U18 is purpose-built for Australia’s urban environments. More than that, it represents a meaningful step forward in how public transport can look and feel; efficient, modern and electric.

“We see the U18 electric model as a milestone for the Australian market,” Clark says.

“It reflects where the industry is heading and what passengers increasingly expect from their daily commute.”

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