We could be on the cusp of a total transformation of the UK bus market, with the emergence of integrally designed and built (i.e. body and chassis/driveline as one) double-deckers designed and built in China, pitched at the entire UK market. Models by both BYD and Yutong have been announced, demonstrated, and as a result are now apparently scheduled if not actually headed for our shores in significant production numbers (100+) to fulfil the first of potentially many UK orders.
BYD is targeting the London market with their next generation chassis BYD11 via their UK commercial vehicle arm, while Yutong have pitched their new U11D, a development of their existing single deckers, at the provincial market via their UK dealer/finisher Pelican Bus & Coach.
www.passengertransport.co.uk
A 31st October 2024 news story about BYD's UK double-decker plans.
www.route-one.net
A 13th June 2023 news story about Yutong's UK double-decker plans.
What happens next all seems to depend on whether, as judged in proper service by these initial squadron service operators, the Chinese can build (and support) double-deckers to the necessary quality and reliability for the UK market. Weight is a huge factor, was well as battery technology. And if so, whether they are then allowed to reap the benefits of building them domestically and importing them in their thousands as pretty much compete vehicles.
It already being rather obvious that if they wanted to, they could replace the entire UK market in just a few years, should climate goals require it. Even if they took only a 50% market share, that would be a major achievement, most likely threatening the very existence of at least one of the three remaining UK manufacturers, ADL, Wrights, and Switch, as well causing concern in the boardrooms of EU manufacturers, with Scania and Volvo both aiming for a share of the integral UK market, having supplied us with diesel/hybrid chassis and integrals for decades.
Obviously this will be a case of balancing strategic trade/economy and human rights concerns, with basic operator economics and climate goals. One thing is for sure, they're far better placed to have potentially got it right now, given they have run smaller but not insignificant numbers of buses on UK roads as both integral single deckers and locally built double deckers.
Uncertainty following the election, plans for further franchising and the discovery of a black hole in the UK budget seems to have slowed progress, with electric bus orders still very dependant on grants. But with operators needing electric buses yesterday, it clearly hasn't stopped the Chinese preparing to fulfil demand, slotting integral double-deckers into their existing UK line-ups. And with a foothold and demonstrated benefits in service over the alternatives, things could change very quickly. Especially if there isn't the money to pursue a strategy of spreading production around for political reasons while still meeting tight climate targets.
There seems to be far more uncertainty over the BYD order book than Yutong, with initial announcements of major London orders aiming to sweep away the New Routemater entirely having apparently spooked politicians who want to back British builders, specifically BYD's domestic body building partner ADL who obviously aren't involved in the BYD11. Athough it appears only the BYD has been seen on UK shores in significant numbers, apparently for Go-Ahead London.
www.flickr.com
A private photo of red London buses on the dockside at Southampton.
The Yutong has a seed vehicle for First developed with feedback from the demonstrators, with a further 126 buses on order for use in Basildon, Bristol, Weston-super-mare and Yeovil.
eurobusxpo.com
A press release detailing the arrival at Pelican of the First seed bus, which arrived in the UK on 29th October 2024.
BYD is targeting the London market with their next generation chassis BYD11 via their UK commercial vehicle arm, while Yutong have pitched their new U11D, a development of their existing single deckers, at the provincial market via their UK dealer/finisher Pelican Bus & Coach.
Thorpe makes case for BYD’s UK plans
www.passengertransport.co.uk
Yutong U11DD: First example for UK breaks cover - routeone
The first Yutong U11DD battery-electric double-decker for the UK has made its debut in China ahead of shipping later this month.
www.route-one.net
A 13th June 2023 news story about Yutong's UK double-decker plans.
What happens next all seems to depend on whether, as judged in proper service by these initial squadron service operators, the Chinese can build (and support) double-deckers to the necessary quality and reliability for the UK market. Weight is a huge factor, was well as battery technology. And if so, whether they are then allowed to reap the benefits of building them domestically and importing them in their thousands as pretty much compete vehicles.
It already being rather obvious that if they wanted to, they could replace the entire UK market in just a few years, should climate goals require it. Even if they took only a 50% market share, that would be a major achievement, most likely threatening the very existence of at least one of the three remaining UK manufacturers, ADL, Wrights, and Switch, as well causing concern in the boardrooms of EU manufacturers, with Scania and Volvo both aiming for a share of the integral UK market, having supplied us with diesel/hybrid chassis and integrals for decades.
Obviously this will be a case of balancing strategic trade/economy and human rights concerns, with basic operator economics and climate goals. One thing is for sure, they're far better placed to have potentially got it right now, given they have run smaller but not insignificant numbers of buses on UK roads as both integral single deckers and locally built double deckers.
Uncertainty following the election, plans for further franchising and the discovery of a black hole in the UK budget seems to have slowed progress, with electric bus orders still very dependant on grants. But with operators needing electric buses yesterday, it clearly hasn't stopped the Chinese preparing to fulfil demand, slotting integral double-deckers into their existing UK line-ups. And with a foothold and demonstrated benefits in service over the alternatives, things could change very quickly. Especially if there isn't the money to pursue a strategy of spreading production around for political reasons while still meeting tight climate targets.
There seems to be far more uncertainty over the BYD order book than Yutong, with initial announcements of major London orders aiming to sweep away the New Routemater entirely having apparently spooked politicians who want to back British builders, specifically BYD's domestic body building partner ADL who obviously aren't involved in the BYD11. Athough it appears only the BYD has been seen on UK shores in significant numbers, apparently for Go-Ahead London.
Go Ahead London BYD BD11 Electric buses Southampton
Important legal note. All images are copyright and must not be re posted or water marks removed, anyone found reposting or removing water marks are liable to prosecution.
www.flickr.com
The Yutong has a seed vehicle for First developed with feedback from the demonstrators, with a further 126 buses on order for use in Basildon, Bristol, Weston-super-mare and Yeovil.
Yutong U11DD battery-electric double-decker for First Bus debuts - EURO BUS EXPO - The Definitive Exhibition for Bus and Coach Professionals
The first Yutong U11DD battery-electric double-decker for First Bus arrived in the UK on 29 October. It is a precursor to 126 more as part of a 169-vehicle procurement that is part-funded by the second round of the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas scheme in England. That seed vehicle introduces...
eurobusxpo.com
A press release detailing the arrival at Pelican of the First seed bus, which arrived in the UK on 29th October 2024.
