An array of developments and potential releases is underpinning the leading role that Yutong and VDI are taking when it comes to Australia’s technology shift

The seismic technology shift across Australasia’s public transport industry, once distant and complex, is now a daily reality. Across cities and towns, communities are calling for cleaner air, quieter streets and smarter mobility. Operators are responding, and Yutong’s electric buses are already on the road, leading the change.

From compact community shuttles to high-capacity articulated and double-decker buses, Yutong’s purpose-built electric range is redefining what sustainable public transport looks like in Australia.

Connecting communities through the Yutong E7S

The most recent milestone in Yutong’s local journey is the arrival of the Yutong E7S, a fully electric bus purpose-built for demand-responsive transport. Designed to bring convenient, zero-emission mobility into communities and connect them directly to major hubs, the E7S is already making a visible impact.

“For many Australians, the E7S represents the first time they have experienced what a modern, fully electric bus can deliver,” said Sara Clark, National Sales Manager at Yutong’s Australian partner VDI.

“It’s providing quieter journeys, cleaner air and a smoother ride, while proving that electric buses are both practical and efficient for local routes. These qualities are redefining what community transport can be.”

Yutong and VDI see these smaller electric buses as crucial to building public confidence in sustainable transport. Community routes are often where trust in public systems begins—whether it's parents relying on school buses, seniors travelling to health appointments, or councils seeking sustainable, cost-effective mobility solutions.

Across all these needs, the E7S demonstrates that the electric transition is not only achievable but beneficial on every level.

Scaling up with the Yutong U18

While the E7S serves local and community needs, cities are facing growing passenger demands that call for higher capacity solutions. For these urban corridors, Yutong’s forthcoming U18 articulated electric bus is set to play a key role.

With a capacity of up to 125 passengers and a fully low-floor design for accessibility, the U18 delivers efficiency and comfort on major routes. Like its siblings, the D7E and C12E, it is purpose-built as an electric bus, not an adaptation of diesel technology. It integrates Yutong’s proprietary safety and intelligent energy management systems, exceeding many global standards.

For Australian operators, the U18 represents the next step in scaling zero-emission fleets to meet the realities of urban growth and congestion.

Looking ahead: Yutong’s double-decker electric bus

Beyond the U18, Yutong continues to expand its electric lineup with the upcoming double-decker electric bus, recently unveiled at the company’s global headquarters in Zhengzhou, China. The event was attended by VDI’s leadership, Australian operators, and ABC Magazine, offering firsthand insight into the future of electric mobility.

“Seeing the double-decker in development alongside our Australian customers reinforced that Australia is part of a global transition," said Peter Woodward, Managing Director of  VDI.

The double-decker combines advanced battery technology with expanded capacity, ideal for megacities and tourism-heavy routes. For Australia, it opens new opportunities in sectors such as major visitor destinations, where passenger comfort and capacity go hand in hand.

Global experience, local trust

Yutong’s leadership in electric mobility is built on decades of innovation. Since pioneering battery-electric buses in 1999, Yutong has delivered more than 196,000 new energy buses across 56 countries and regions, earning international recognition, including the Belgium Motor Show Ecological Award (2017) and Busworld’s Ecology and Design Awards (2023).

“The scale of Yutong’s commitment to electric technology is unmatched,” Woodward added. “It gives Australian operators confidence that the solutions we’re introducing locally are tried, tested, and globally supported.”

Since deploying its first zero-emission buses in 2009, Yutong’s global ZEB fleet has saved 9.6 billion litres of fuel and reduced 28.5 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions, proving the reliability and performance of its battery systems worldwide.

Evidence-based transition, supported locally

Recognising that operators need transparency and data-driven tools to make confident decisions, Yutong and VDI have jointly developed solutions such as the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) calculator.

This tool allows fleet managers to evaluate upfront investment against long-term savings on fuel, maintenance and compliance — turning complex transitions into clear, evidence-based choices.

“Our operators came away with a sense of what this means in real terms,” said Clark.

“They saw that Yutong’s buses are built for reliability and safety, not just adapted from existing models. The electric future isn’t something to wait for — it’s something to plan for now.”

Impact beyond transport

Within Australian communities, Yutong’s technology is already improving the quality of life. Quieter buses mean reduced neighbourhood noise. Zero tailpipe emissions lead to cleaner air. Larger electric models ease congestion by carrying more passengers per trip. These benefits extend far beyond transport departments — touching public health, urban design, and community wellbeing.

“What matters most is that these solutions are not theoretical,” Clark said.

“They're operating on Australian roads today, with more on the way. The E7S is enabling flexible local mobility, the U18 is bringing high-capacity electric power to urban routes, and the double-decker is setting new benchmarks for comfort and design."

Together, these models illustrate Yutong’s vision: a cleaner, smarter, and more connected transport future built bus by bus, community by community.

“Legacy isn’t about looking back at diesel’s past,” Clark concluded.

“It’s about the future we’re building now — cleaner air, quieter streets, and reliable transport people can depend on for decades to come. That’s the legacy Yutong and its partners like VDI are proud to shape together.”

Originally published by ABC Magazine: https://www.yutong.com.au/pressmedia/news/yutong-news/2025/1978026532752461824.shtml