Hot on the heels of the recent bus franchising update for St Helens, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has confirmed the detail behind one of its headline promises for St Helens. A brand-new X3 express service will link St Helens town centre directly to Liverpool John Lennon Airport , putting more than 25,000 extra residents within a 60-minute journey of the terminal and over 100,000 within 80 minutes once onward rail and bus connections are counted.
At Busworld, Vietnamese manufacturer VinFast took its first major step into Europe’s bus market, presenting not one but two electric models – the EB 8 and EB 12. The naming could not be simpler: the EB 8 stands for Electric Bus, 8 metres long while the EB 12 stretches to 12 metres.
VinFast
Each bus integrates a full suite of advanced safety and driver assistance systems to ensure a smooth, safe and reliable experience for passengers, operators and other road users alike.
EB 8
The EB 8 immediately turned heads for its distinctive design. Compact yet capable, it can accommodate up to 60 passengers and is powered by 360 kWh Gotion LFP batteries mounted both on the roof and within the floor structure. This dual placement optimises space but raises the entry height, meaning the EB 8 falls outside European homologation limits. Instead, it is aimed at international markets where regulations allow for more flexibility. VinFast quotes a range of at least 300 km, positioning the EB 8 as a nimble and efficient urban workhorse.
EB 12
By contrast, the EB 12 has been developed specifically for Europe, fully compliant with UNECE and CE standards and backed by European homologation. It is designed to fit neatly within the continent’s existing charging infrastructure, with VinFast planning to collaborate with local bus specialists for charging system supply and support.
To keep maintenance straightforward, VinFast deliberately opted for familiar European components. A ZF AVE130 portal axle with twin 125 kW hub motors handles propulsion, Ventura doors ensure reliability and Ster seats provide the finishing touches inside. The EB 12 also features a full suite of ADAS safety systems, while drivers benefit from a head-up display – a rare luxury in the city bus segment. Depending on configuration (two or three doors) and operator requirements, it carries around 90 passengers.
Under the floor sit CATL LFP batteries with up to 422 kWh capacity, good for more than 400 km of range on the SORT2 cycle. VinFast promises at least 80% State of Health after eight years, supported by real-time battery monitoring. Fast charging via a standard CCS2 connector at up to 140 kW means a full top-up in just two to three hours. The manufacturer also includes a five-year vehicle warranty which will help to keep the total cost of ownership competitive.
Ms Le Thi Thu Thuy, Chairwoman of VinFast, said:
“Europe and VinFast share the same vision for a green and sustainable future. The launch of our VinFast electric bus models at Busworld is a strong sign of VinFast’s long-term commitment.”
VinFast’s move into Europe’s competitive bus sector is a bold one but it is underpinned by the same confidence that propelled its passenger car business onto the global stage. With the EB 12 already homologated and the EB 8 ready for international rollout, the Vietnamese brand is signalling that it is here not just to make an impression but to stay.
From Sunday 6th September 2026, St Helens becomes the first place in the Liverpool City Region to see its buses come back under public control and the improvements landing on Day One are by no means insignificant. Two-hourly routes are being upgraded to hourly, evening and weekend timetables are being extended and a brand-new express link to Liverpool John Lennon Airport is being introduced from the off.
Hot on the heels of the recent bus franchising update for St Helens, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has confirmed the detail behind one of its headline promises for St Helens. A brand-new X3 express service will link St Helens town centre directly to Liverpool John Lennon Airport , putting more than 25,000 extra residents within a 60-minute journey of the terminal and over 100,000 within 80 minutes once onward rail and bus connections are counted.
First Bus has made a significant leap in their journey towards sustainability by placing the largest single order of Yutong Electric buses with Pelican Bus and Coach, the UK importer. This major order of 169 electric buses will be delivered to four depot sites: Taunton, Weston-super-Mare, Basildon and Hengrove in Bristol, within the next 16 months. Tom Harrison (Bus Ambassador) Expansion of Zero-Emission Fleet This latest investment is part of First Bus's ambitious plan to operate more than 800 zero-emission vehicles across the UK, supported by EV charging infrastructure at 16 depot sites. The order includes a mix of single and double-decker buses from Yutong's E10, E12, and U11DD models, expanding the company’s current Yutong EV operations in Aberdeen, Leeds and in Wales. Investment and Funding First Bus's investment, valued at £89 million, covers 178 zero-emission buses and supporting infrastructure across four regions. Additional funding of £16 million has been secured t...
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