Pelican Bus and Coach, the UK importer and distributor of Yutong buses, will supply the new vehicles. The procurement, supported by approximately £4 million in government funding, will see the new Yutong electric buses deployed on council-supported services operated by Centrebus. The vehicles will serve routes 20, 24, 81, 83 and 162 and are scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2027.

The latest order follows Leicester’s earlier acquisition of 24 Yutong battery-electric buses, which are already in operation. With the new vehicles, Leicester City Council will own a fleet of 34 electric buses.

“This latest investment is another significant step towards delivering one of the cleanest and most modern bus networks in the country,” Councillor Geoff Whittle, Assistant City Mayor for Environment and Transport said. “Every new electric bus improves air quality, reduces carbon emissions and provides a quieter, more comfortable journey for passengers.”

This expansion of Leicester’s electric bus fleet is linked to the city’sLeicester Buses Enhanced Partnership Schemewhich aims to not only electrify a portion of the bus fleet but also introduce automated digital ticketing, improved reliability and frequency of services, and dedicated bus lanes.

According to the Leicester Buses Partnership, operator members are expected to have around 200 battery-electric buses in service by the end of 2026. Further growth is already planned, with Arriva due to add another 50 electric buses by March 2027 and a further 15 vehicles in 2028. At that point, the city’s bus network is expected to be almost entirely electric.

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