Member Article

Yorkshire-based supplier Pelican delivers first vehicles in its largest-ever UK order for all-electric buses

Long-established family business Pelican Engineering, based in West Yorkshire, has delivered the first vehicles in an order for 55 Yutong buses to McGill’s Group in Glasgow. The zero-emission vehicles are destined for use on routes around the city and Renfrewshire, including during the forthcoming COP26 climate change conference, as part of the bus operator’s investment into clean technology.

The eight-figure contract marks the largest single UK order in Pelican’s 100 year-plus history. All of the 55 buses will be fully commissioned and completed at Pelican in Castleford by the third generation family business which employs 160 people.

McGill’s, the UK’s largest independent bus operator, chose the Yutong E12 electric bus model due to the high levels of customer and driver comfort it delivers, including minimal noise. In addition, it provides zero emission at the point of use, bringing benefits to air quality and the environment. For these reasons, Yutong, which has been supplying Pelican exclusively in the UK for the last five years, has become the largest bus manufacturer in the world accounting for 15% of the global market.

Richard Crump, managing director of Pelican Engineering, comments: “As one of the longest-established British businesses serving the UK transport sector, we protect our reputation and only partner with leading providers. Quite simply, we believe that Yutong’s electric buses are the best on the market. With no noise or vibration, these vehicles deliver a better passenger experience, enhanced driveability and best-in-market operating costs as well as having less impact on the environment.

“Over the last year, we’ve seen more and more bus operators and local authorities turning to the brand as they move towards the adoption of a clean and sustainable public transport system. We are proud to be supporting McGill’s, and this latest investment is a great example of how the UK can create a renewable transport sector and achieve its net zero ambitions.”

Head of Yutong Bus UK at Pelican, Ian Downie adds: “As zero emission fleet investment continues to gather pace, we’re investing in growing our team and facilities in Yorkshire to meet increased customer demand. By the end of 2021, we will have 200 Yutong electric vehicles in service in the UK and it’s exciting to see the bus market transition to zero emission. It is particularly fitting that McGill’s is playing such a key role in the decarbonising initiative – the company will operate the largest electric fleet in Scotland as COP26 gets underway in November and we’re proud to be supporting it.”

Ralph Roberts, CEO of McGill’s Group, said: “We chose the Pelican Yutong vehicle for the McGill’s fleet because of its enhanced passenger features, such as air conditioning, high structural integrity, high efficiency and USB charging, combined with a whisper-quiet journey. This state-of-the-art fully electric bus meets our stringent environmental targets as we work towards decarbonising passenger vehicles.”

Family-owned Pelican Engineering was established in 1919 by Richard Crump’s grandfather Ernest Crump, and partners with some of the leading manufacturers in the world to deliver the very latest commercial vehicle technology to the UK. Its bus and coach business is at the forefront of the zero emission passenger vehicle revolution, and the group’s truck dealerships are among the largest in the region. Pelican is now one of the top 500 largest businesses in Yorkshire and it is continuing to rapidly gain market share in the growing zero-emission passenger vehicle market.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Emma Kilmurray .