Recently,Yutong Bus, together with Wing Lee Group of Hong Kong and industrial media HK BUS Channel, has completed a long-range challenge for battery electric buses targeting real cross-border operation scenarios. The tested model is the Hong Kong-spec Yutong C12E that has been in commercial service for two years, fitted with 422kWh batteries. Travelling a total of 261 kilometres with the air conditioning running non-stop, the vehicle’s SOC dropped from 81% to 34%, consuming 47% of total battery capacity, with a comprehensive energy consumption of 0.69kWh per kilometre.

Measured Data Verifies Operational Capability

The test was conducted on a real cross-border bus route in Hong Kong, covering the round trip between Tseung Kwan O and Fung Kat Heung. With an aggregate mileage of 261 kilometres, including urban roads and motorways. With ambient temperature ranging from 24°C to 27°C and air conditioning set between 16°C and 18°C, the test simulated regular high-frequency daily operation conditions. 

Based on the measured data and combined with local temperature and road conditions in Hong Kong, calculations show that the 422kWh battery version of the Yutong C12E can deliver a driving range of 310–360 kilometres under full passenger load and full air conditioning (calculated from 100% SOC down to 12% SOC, reserving a 12% battery buffer as per local operational practices), fully meeting the 300-kilometre daily travel demand of Hong Kong cross-border buses.

YEA EV-Specific Platform Empowers Long Range

The YEA platform mounted on the Yutong C12E is the industry’s first integrated hardware-and-software exclusive platform forbattery electric commercial vehicles. It boosts energy storage efficiency and cuts energy loss within the same battery footprint. Meanwhile, optimisations to the powertrain, thermal management system and energy recovery system make the vehicle better suited for long-distance operation, sustaining steady energy consumption even on complicated road surfaces.

Industry Recognition Boosts Electrification Transition

According to thePublic Bus and Taxi Green Transition Roadmap issued by Hong Kong’s Environment and Ecology Bureau, Hong Kong aims to achieve zero vehicle emissions and carbon neutrality by 2050. Media noted that the transition to new energy buses in Hong Kong is entering the final stage, and choosing a reliable electric bus is directly related to the future operational competitiveness of operators.

Note: All test figures apply exclusively to the Hong Kong-spec C12E used in this challenge under the stated test conditions. Actual vehicle performance may vary subject to different operating environments, vehicle configurations and driving habits.