In 2024, Yutong’s C12E electric coach underwent a long range extreme challenge in Australia and successfully completed it with its extraordinary battery range. It successfully traveled 285 kilometers using only 50% of its battery charge, with an impressive power consumption of 0.63 kWh/km, The driving range on a full charge is expected to be up to 555 kilometers.The trip started from Sydney Yutong Bus Center in Preston, passing through Cape Solander, Royal National Park, Sea Cliff Bridge, and Kiama, before returning to Sydney Yutong Bus Center. It traversed 3 types of road conditions, including hilly roads, highways, and city metropolitan areas. So what are the secrets behind this long range of Yutong C12E Electric Coach?

Secrets Behind C12E’s Long Range

The C12E’s exceptional long-range performance results from Yutong’s technological innovations. Multiple advanced systems work harmoniously. They help to maximize the coach’s energy efficiency, battery performance, and overall driving range.

1. New Generation High-Safety Ultra-Capacity Battery

Battery technology stands at the core of the C12E’s impressive range capability.

The battery system leverages next-generation high-energy-density battery with a highly-integrated design. This innovative approach has increased system energy density by 9% up to 175Wh/kg. The volumetric density has dramatically increased by 22% to 270Wh/L. It has enabled more efficient use of vehicle space with over 20% improved battery space utilization.

2. All-in-One Power Domain Controller

The power management system represents another crucial element in the C12E’s long-range strategy. It consolidates multiple electrical functions into a single, highly integrated unit.

High-Voltage Electrical Integration

Through an advanced design philosophy, the power domain controller integrates multiple functions into a single, sealed unit. These include motor, steering, air compressor, power distribution, DC/DC charging, and insulation detection. This approach creates industry-leading integration. It enhances high-voltage electrical safety while supporting system efficiency up to 99.5%. The result is a 50% weight reduction and up to 5% decrease in overall vehicle energy consumption.

The integrated design also provides enhanced electromagnetic interference protection. It ensures stable performance across different operating environments. Additionally, the compact configuration allows for a more flexible vehicle design. It enables engineers to optimize interior space and overall electric coach layout.

Automatic Regenerative Braking Technology

The automatic regenerative braking system can transfer the vehicle’s kinetic energy through the transmission system to the motor during braking. At this time, the permanent magnet synchronous motor operates in generator mode, charging the traction battery and thus achieving the recovery and utilization of braking energy.

Additionally, the counter-torque generated by the motor stator acts on the motor rotor and is transmitted through the transmission system to apply counter-torque to the drive wheels, generating braking force. This reduces the mechanical wear and usage rate of air braking systems and minimizes the brake fade phenomenon caused by increased temperatures during traditional braking processes, thereby enhancing the reliability of the C12E’s braking process.

3. High Efficiency Drive Motor

C12E’s direct-drive motor employs a 250/350 kW permanent magnet synchronous motor. The motor follows the output characteristics of “high torque at low speed and high power at high speed,” with a wider constant power range. At the maximum speed, the motor delivers greater power output, enhancing the vehicle’s performance. Moreover, the motor incorporates advanced loss separation and lightweighting technologies, achieving a maximum efficiency of 97%, with the high-efficiency zone where efficiency is ≥90% accounting for over 90% of the total. Leveraging big data-based condition matching technology, the vehicle enjoys higher average efficiency under working conditions and a longer driving range.

High Range, High Potential 

The C12E’s impressive range capability positions it as a reliable solution for transportation across Australia’s expansive terrains. Unlike traditional diesel coaches, the C12E electric coach offers a more environmentally friendly and sustainable long-distance travel solution.

Conclusion

Overall, the C12E electric coach demonstrates great potential. It showcases our commitment to pushing technological boundaries in electric public transportation. It integrates advanced battery systems, intelligent power management, and innovative drive technologies. The C12E  in Australia has traveled 111,743km and reduced carbon emissions by 47,379.15kg. We will continue to enhance long-distance electric mobility and promote the promotion of green transportation and sustainable goals with solutions such as the C12E.