Tremendous GTe14 Road Test Review

“..the GTe14 is not just the most practical electric coach but one of the best we’ve ever road-tested, offering a glimpse into the future of premium coaches.”

Bus and Coach Buyer recently caught up with Mark Watts of Wattsway Travel to discuss his new GTe14 and take the UK’s first electric ‘touring’ coach for a road test,  driven by ‘The Coach Stig’ – an award-winning coach operator. Bus and Coach Buyer’s Group Editor, Mark Williams states they “discovered a vehicle that draws a line in the sand for everyone else”.

Pelican Bus + Coach are thrilled with the Bus and Coach Buyer’s positive review of the Yutong GTe14 tri-axle electric coach. Here are the key verdict highlights from their article:

The test driver praised the smooth, powerful acceleration, pin-sharp handling, and quiet ride:

“There is nothing about the way it drives and performs that our test driver did not like; in fact, in some areas, it outperformed the best of diesel coaches”.

It proclaims the Yutong GTE14 to be a driver’s vehicle. They were particularly impressed with the “stunning” dashboard and driver ergonomics.

“…possibly the best we have ever tested, offering a class-leading view of the road and a camera mirror system (CMS) which inspires confidence in tight manoeuvres. And as a tri-axle, it’s very capable in a tight corner”.

“The driver seat is a multi-adjustable marvel with everything including heating and a setting for heating and ventilation. In front of the driver is a dashboard which is as modern as you could imagine, and ergonomically first-rate”.

Their verdict on the rest of the vehicle is just as positive:

“The Yutong GTe14 tri-axle is a superb coach, with an interior of the highest, premium quality and enough luggage capacity to manage most hires”.

“The saloon is impressive, with excellent passenger seats which have a full suite of extras: adjustable headrests, footrests, magazine nets, seat-back tables, wireless and wired charging options. Great to see that USB and USB-C are installed on the seatback, rather than tucked under the seat”.

The coach’s accessibility was also praised:

“It seems to us to be far more inclusive ...it’s excellent, especially if you are a wheelchair user. The GTe14 is ‘PSVAR native’ in that wheelchair access is designed into it from the start. In our view, loading wheelchairs over the centre stairwell is superior to the current hole-in-the-side wheelchair lift, getting passengers aboard in greater comfort.”

Mark Watts, owner of Wattsway, was equally as enthusiastic about the GTe14. He has absolutely no doubt that electric is the direction of travel for his fleet. His commitment to electric vehicles is driven by the financial aspect of operating EVs; within a few years, the additional cost of the vehicle will be overtaken by the savings. He has calculated that the combination of cheaper fuel and reduced maintenance costs gives him a saving of £25,000 a year.

“For me, electric is a no-brainer. This coach is a step up from the TCe12 because of the luggage space, and a very different beast, too. The technology has already moved on. The regen is more effective …I think it’s the best coach I have ever driven.”

Thank you to Mark Williams for providing us with copies of his photographs.