Mellor has begun delivering 33 Strata Plus low-floor buses to replace West Yorkshire's AccessBus fleet, as part of a £6.5m programme run by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA). Mellor Bus The order was awarded earlier this year, and Mellor says the ultra-low emission vehicles will be introduced progressively across the region. WYCA said the buses being replaced were between 11 and 18 years old when the programme was announced.
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.
West Yorkshire's new Weaver Network buses are taking shape at the Wrightbus factory in Northern Ireland, with Mayor Tracy Brabin among those getting a first look at the fleet before they head to Yorkshire. West Yorkshire Combined Authority The vehicles are being assembled ahead of their rollout from spring 2027, when the Weaver Network comes into effect. Wrightbus won the contract to build almost 200 new electric buses in May, following a competitive process.
Transport for London (TfL) has unveiled 'Buses for London', a new publicly owned bus company for the capital, and named route 6 as the first service it will run. Tom Harrison (Bus Ambassador) The company is due to launch in late 2027, with Park Royal Depot in west London as its first operational base. A further four routes will be announced over the coming year and are due to transfer from 2028. TfL says the company will let it test new approaches to reliability, safety, decarbonisation, customer experience and driver welfare. It also means any profits can be reinvested in the transport network. How London's Buses Work Today For readers outside the capital, London's bus system works differently from most of Britain. London was not part of bus deregulation in 1986. Instead, TfL plans the routes, sets fares and timetables, and pays private companies to run the buses. Operators bid for each route. Contracts generally run for seven years and pay the operator a set income ...
Seven British-built Treka CitySprint minibuses are entering service in the Liverpool City Region, giving the new franchised Metro bus network a compact option for routes where larger buses are not suitable. The vehicles are built on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis, with bodywork by Treka Bus at its factory in Brighouse, West Yorkshire. They have been delivered to the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA). Three have gone to St Helens and four to Wirral. Treka Bus St Helens became the first part of the city region to bring its buses back under public control on 6th September. Wirral follows on 25th October 2026, and bus franchising will then be extended across the rest of the region throughout 2027.
Comments
Post a Comment
We welcome your thoughts and encourage open discussion but please keep comments respectful, relevant and considerate of others. Offensive, abusive or spam content will be removed and repeat offenders may be blocked. Let’s keep this space friendly and constructive for everyone.