Yutong is the biggest bus and coach manufacturer in the world – and also the largest producer of electric versions. It first launched the TE7 electric truck in China in 2023 and the truck has already achieved considerable success in the Asian market.
Pelican Engineering has been importing and maintaining Yutong’s passenger vehicles in the UK and Ireland since 2014. It has now added the Yutong TE7 zero-emission electric 7.5-tonne truck to its offer – a move which brings Pelican back to the commercial vehicle space after an 11-year absence.
The Yutong TE7 is a purpose-built electric truck designed to deliver high performance and energy efficiency in demanding urban and regional transport operations. It shares the same driveline technology as over 1000 single- and double-deck electric buses and coaches already in service across the UK, so the technology is already well-proven.
Powering the vehicle is a lightweight integrated rear e-axle capable of producing up to 200kW of peak power and 470Nm of maximum torque. TE7’s design uses a ladder-frame chassis available in two wheelbases at launch – 3360mm and 3850mm – with body lengths of 4245mm and 5245mm respectively. A longer wheelbase option of 4500mm is slated to arrive in Q4 2025.
The e-axle designed enables TE7’s LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery pack to be fitted centrally within the chassis, and this works with a seven-in-one motor controller positioned beneath the cab. According to Yutong, this configuration supports intelligent energy management which helps to deliver up to 15% more range under equivalent working conditions when compared to less optimised systems. It also increases protection for battery components. Lightweight construction and an aerodynamic cab design further contribute to the TE7’s reduced overall energy consumption.
Operators can specify one of two battery configurations depending on range and payload requirements. The 100kWh pack gives up to 140 miles per full charge, while the 132kWh pack can deliver up to 180 miles before a plug-in is required. Both options offer IP68 and IP6K9K protection for improved durability and reliability.
Of course, TE7 has provision for electric PTO capable of powering a wide range of ancillary equipment. The ePTO is rated at 40kW standard for the 100kWh battery pack, or 20kW standard for the 132kWh option.
The vehicle has fast-charging capabilities and can reach 20% to 80% state of charge in 35 minutes or less when using a 120kW DC charger. It’s CCS2 system is also compatible with 11 kW AC and 100 kW DC charging options. Yutong is confident in its battery tech and provides an eight-year/400,000km warranty, while the whole vehicle warranty is set at three years/150,000km.
Payload is naturally a key point in the distribution sector and the TE7 has been built to maximise its cargo-carrying capabilities. Indeed, Yutong reckons the truck offers class-leading payload based on a 3850mm medium wheelbase chassis – for models with a 100kWh battery, the unladen chassis weight is 3060kg, allowing for a combined body and payload capacity of 4430kg. The 132kWh versions have a slightly heavier unladen chassis weight of 3290kg, resulting in a combined body and payload capacity of 4200kg.
Safety is a priority and the TE7 is equipped with a range of systems to keep drivers and other road-users safe. These include hill-start assist, downhill assist, traction control and a full air braking system.
Refreshingly, Yutong and Pelican Engineering have been up-front with TE7 pricing. At launch, 100kWh TE7 models start at £66,000, while 132kWh chassis start at £71,000.
In terms of service back-up, Pelican Engineering is offering full support for TE7 in the UK. Pelican will provide nationwide back-up, expert servicing and readily available parts to keep the TE7 on the road.
The company’s National Parts Distribution Centre is open 08:00 to 18:00 Monday to Saturday. Outside these hours, a call-out service is available from the adjacent Pelican Truck dealerships. For the single model TE7, Pelican said it expects every parts requirement can be met from stock. Parts can be shipped nationwide via the Royal Mail overnight service.
In addition, fully manned parts distribution centres in Dundee and Bristol are set to be open by summer 2025, and the company can provide impress stock for fleet operators if required.
The service centre is open 24/7, 362 days per year to provide full aftersales service to operators located in West Yorkshire.
