With the success of the Yutong 7-metre D7 in Australia, it’s no surprise that its electric counterpart is turning heads and exceeding expectations.

The D7 has emerged as one of our most beloved and successful diesel models in Australia thanks to its advanced safety features, lasting reliability, and adaptability. In 2022, Paul got the chance to test out this diesel bus and now he is getting behind the wheel of its electric counterpart, the Yutong D7E, in this bus review for Australasian Bus and Coach.

Mirroring the D7’s design, this bus has all the much-loved features that makes the D7 so popular including a 360-degree camera system and door safety system, a driver’s entry door, comfortable seating, and electronic driver’s windscreen sun blinds.

“It’s just like the original D7, but I think it’s even better this time,” Paul said.

A big selling point for this bus is its adaptability and manoeuvrability. Purpose-built for community and urban travel, this bus is designed to navigate narrow streets and busy car parks with ease.

“You can negotiate this through any tight spaces with confidence, and with the 360-degree camera you know that you’re never going to hit anything,” he said.

But don’t let its compact footprint fool you, this electric bus is built to go the distance. Whether you’re running regional school services or operating in rugged mining regions, the D7E is backed by advanced battery technology that delivers consistent performance, even in Australia’s harshest conditions.

“You could go all the way to Queensland, Western Australia, anywhere. The facilities now are very user friendly for charging for buses,” he said.

The D7E also features Yutong’s leading electric safety technology. With YESS (Yutong Electric Safety System) and YEA (Yutong Electric Architecture), operators get enhanced protection against thermal issues, shock, water, and even collision damage. As Paul points out, Yutong’s commitment to battery safety is clear.

“Yutong are always big on safety on intrusion bars for the batteries and these bars are fantastic. If you get side impact here, they are well protected,” he said.

Want to learn more about this battery electric bus? Find out more today.