Yutong's IC12E Electric Coach Demonstrates Real-World 510 km Range Across Europe

By EV World Staff | July 21, 2025

Chinese bus manufacturer Yutong has completed a highly visible overland demonstration of its new IC12E electric intercity coach, logging 1,272 kilometers across four European countries. While not completed on a single charge, the journey underscores the growing viability of battery-electric buses for long-distance, non-urban transport. The most impressive segment was a 510 km leg between Hamburg and Copenhagen, completed on a single charge under test conditions.

Real-World Performance, No Greenwashing

Unlike some controlled lab tests, Yutong's team documented real-time state-of-charge (SOC), terrain, and climate conditions across the route. Starting in Hamburg, the IC12E traveled 510 km to Copenhagen, dropping from 99% SOC to 28%, leaving a calculated remaining range of roughly 173 km. This suggests a consumption rate of approximately 0.84 kWh/km.

Subsequent legs included a 327 km stretch from Copenhagen to Gothenburg, followed by a fast recharge using a single plug. The final segment brought the coach into Oslo, Norway. Over the full 1,272 km route, the IC12E consumed an estimated 926 kWh.

What Happens Under Full Load?

While the demonstration bus ran unladen for efficiency testing, Yutong's IC12E is rated to carry up to 59 passengers. Assuming a fully loaded configuration with passengers and luggage adds 3.5 to 5.0 metric tons, energy consumption would be expected to rise by roughly 15% under steady intercity conditions.

Adjusted for this load, consumption would rise to around 0.97 kWh/km. With a usable battery capacity of 540 kWh (assuming 90% of its 600 kWh pack), the coach could reasonably expect a full-load range of around 557 km. That would still allow it to complete the Hamburg-to-Copenhagen segment on a single charge, albeit with little margin.

Who Is Yutong?

Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Zhengzhou, China, Yutong Bus Co. Ltd. is the world’s largest bus manufacturer by volume. The company delivered over 60,000 units in 2024, with more than 20,000 of those being new energy buses. Yutong has invested heavily in electric mobility and autonomous technologies, operating multiple R&D centers and a dedicated new energy manufacturing base.

With exports to more than 130 countries and regions, Yutong has become a dominant player in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and increasingly in Europe. Its electric offerings span city buses, BRT units, school buses, and now long-distance intercity coaches like the IC12E.

EV Milestone for Tourism and Intercity Travel

The IC12E’s successful cross-border tour highlights a major milestone for electric mobility in the intercity travel and tourism segments. It demonstrates that battery-electric coaches can begin to replace diesel models for trips well over 500 km, especially in countries investing in high-capacity charging infrastructure.

With models like the IC12E, Yutong is clearly positioning itself to lead in the next phase of electric public transport - one that goes beyond cities and onto the highways of Europe and beyond.

Key Specs of the Yutong IC12E

• Battery Capacity: 350 to 600 kWh (configurable)
• Maximum Range (tested): Up to 510 km on a single charge
• Seating Capacity: Up to 59 passengers
• Charging Time (0 to 99%): ~1 hour 40 minutes with single fast charger

For more updates on electric buses and intercity zero-emission travel, stay tuned to EVWorld.com.

Views:112