National Express is trialling the use of an electric coach for high-frequency services between Stansted Airport and London.

The coach operator is the first in the UK to experiment with the latest GTe14 model from Yutong for a period of four weeks.

This comes after a successful trial run in 2020 where the operator tested Yutong’s TCe12 model on the A9 route from Stansted to Stratford.

The electric coach, which is powered with electricity generated from renewable sources, was unveiled at an exclusive event at the airport today, and will begin transporting passengers next week.

It features modern conveniences such as LED mood lighting, leather reclining seats, air conditioning, and onboard charging.

John Boughton, commercial director for National Express UK and Ireland, said: "As the UK’s largest scheduled coach operator, we’re proud to be charging ahead and operating the very latest electric coach on our high-frequency services between Stansted Airport and London.

"We're helping to push the coach industry forward, driving innovation and efficiencies in vehicles and infrastructure as we work towards a zero emission UK coach fleet."

"At the same time, we’re delighted to be supporting our partners such as Stansted Airport to achieve their own sustainability goals."

The coach will operate up to 21 hours a day, with top-up charging during scheduled stop times at Stansted Airport, and an extended charging period at the end of each day.

Gareth Powell, managing director of London Stansted Airport, said: "We’re fully committed to the sustainable and responsible growth of London Stansted, so we are delighted to support this exciting and unique trial by National Express.

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"This trial of a battery-electric coach is another great example of exploring innovative ways with our airport partners such as National Express to continue driving down carbon emissions."

National Express services from Stansted Airport to London leave more than 100 times a day.

Mr Boughton added: "To celebrate the trial of this brand-new electric coach, we’re urging customers who get on board to look out for their unique opportunity to win a special prize - and in the meantime, sit back, relax and enjoy the smoother, cleaner ride."