Stansted Airport is set to welcome a groundbreaking addition to its transportation fleet as National Express unveils a revolutionary new electric bus.
This state-of-the-art GTe14 model, manufactured by Yutong, marks a significant step towards sustainable travel solutions.
In collaboration with Stansted Airport, National Express is pioneering the trial of the UK’s newest and most spacious electric coach. Following a successful trial of Yutong’s previous TCe12 model in 2020, the GTe14 will serve the route between Stansted and London for four weeks.
Powered by renewable energy sources at Stansted Airport, this electric coach boasts modern comforts including LED mood lighting, leather reclining seats, air conditioning, onboard charging facilities, and a generous luggage allowance. Passengers can expect a smoother, quieter, and cleaner journey while enjoying the knowledge that the coach produces zero carbon emissions at the tailpipe.
John Boughton, Commercial Director for National Express UK & Ireland, expressed pride in the company’s leadership role in driving innovation within the coach industry. He emphasized National Express’s commitment to achieving a zero-emission UK coach fleet and supporting partners like Stansted Airport in their sustainability goals.
The electric coach is scheduled to operate up to 21 hours a day, with top-up charging during scheduled stops at Stansted Airport and a longer charging period at the end of each day.
Gareth Powell, Managing Director of Stansted Airport, applauded the initiative, reaffirming the airport’s commitment to sustainable growth. Stansted Airport has already taken significant steps to reduce emissions, including sourcing electricity from renewable sources and achieving carbon-neutral airport operations since 2018.
Powell highlighted the airport’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero carbon operations by 2038 and underscored the importance of collaborative efforts with partners like National Express to drive down carbon emissions across all airport-related activities.
The introduction of this battery-electric coach represents another milestone in Stansted Airport’s journey towards environmental sustainability and underscores the commitment of both National Express and the airport to pioneering eco-friendly travel solutions.