Yutong Bus successfully completed rigorous road tests under extreme cold weather conditions of its pure electric buses in Norway and Kazakhstan, demonstrating a significant milestone in the electrification of public transport.
Article continues below
Facing temperatures as low as -25°C in Kazakhstan, the Yutong battery electric bus achieved a remarkable driving range of 374 km, setting a new benchmark for electric bus performance in harsh climates.
The tests in the frigid environments of Astana, Kazakhstan, and within the Arctic Circle in Norway, it was not just a trial of endurance but a clear signal of the electric buses' operational capabilities in extreme conditions.
The E18PRO model, put to the test in Kazakhstan, embarked on a challenging journey on January 21, 2024, demonstrating not just the bus's remarkable range but also its ability to provide a warm and comfortable environment for over 1,500 passengers.
The vehicle's consistent interior temperature between 18°C and 22°C amidst the biting cold was particularly lauded by passenger for enhancing comfort.
The secret to the E18PRO's success lies in Yutong's cutting-edge battery technology, featuring a liquid heating system that maintains optimal temperatures for the lithium iron phosphate batteries, ensuring efficient operation even in the coldest of climates.
Yutong's pursuit of excellence continued in Norway, where the U12 model was subjected to a demanding test in Kirkenes.
Achieving a power consumption of 1.56 kw/km in a live test over 105 km, the U12 operated flawlessly in temperatures reaching -33°C.
Yutong's focus on enhancing vehicle durability against corrosion and wear, particularly in Norway's salt-laden, snowy conditions, has been critical to its success. ■
Modified arctic air combined with a moisture-laden area of low pressure along the Gulf Coast will continue to allow for a broad area of winter weather impacts from the Lower Mississippi Valley to the Southeast today into early Saturday morning.