When King Long unveiled its all-new MU12E electric city bus at Busworld Europe 2025, the crowd’s reaction was instant — phones raised, cameras flashing and quiet nods of approval from operators and industry insiders alike.

The launch marked not only a milestone for the brand, but a defining statement that King Long has arrived as one of the world’s most sophisticated bus manufacturers.

As China’s first bus brand ever to exhibit at Busworld, King Long holds a pioneering legacy. Decades later, it continues to challenge convention — this time through technology, refinement and global collaboration. Supported by its exclusive Australian partner, Bus Stop Sales, King Long’s presence in Brussels reflected a maturing brand with an international focus.

The MU12E embodies the latest evolution of King Long engineering — a fully electric, 12-metre, low-floor platform designed from the ground up for zero-emission operation. It introduces CATL’s new BC5 Mark 2 battery system, offering improved thermal stability, faster charging and longer lifecycle performance.

Combined with a total energy capacity of 465.99 kWh and an extended warranty, the system delivers up to 550 kilometres of real-world range, giving operators the confidence to go further, more efficiently and with less downtime.

For Pete White, managing director of Bus Stop Sales, the model also represents a deeper partnership between the two companies.

“Our team provided detailed feedback throughout the MU12E’s development,” White says.

“King Long has been incredibly receptive to our input — and our experience in Australia’s challenging conditions helps ensure these vehicles are engineered for real-world durability, not just test tracks.”

Inside, the MU12E is every bit as advanced as its specifications suggest. A 32-bit dual-core Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) seamlessly coordinates propulsion, braking and power distribution.

Smart functions such as Emergency Assist for Pedal Misapplication, speed-sensitive electric steering, hill-start assist, crawl control and 360-degree live battery monitoring set a new benchmark for safety and integration in the zero-emission bus segment.

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Components meet IP K6K9K protection ratings and operate flawlessly between –40 °C and +80 °C, making the MU12E ideally suited to the extremes of Australia’s climate. Operators can also choose between an independent thermal management package or integrate the system with their preferred HVAC supplier — a level of flexibility showcased through SkyBus Melbourne’s latest King Long fleet, which pairs Spheros air-conditioning with King Long’s battery management architecture.

Also capturing attention in Brussels was King Long’s M-Combo concept — winner of the 2025 Red Dot Award for Design Innovation. The futuristic multi-purpose model drew consistent crowds, symbolising the brand’s commitment to intelligent, user-centred design.

“The M-Combo stands out not only visually but also in enhancing passenger comfort and efficiency,” King Long Australian market director Harvey Zheng says.

While the MU12E dominated the spotlight, the message behind both models was clear: King Long has evolved into a truly global bus brand — blending Chinese innovation, European styling and Australian insight.

At home, Bus Stop Sales continues to extend that narrative through its national operations in Rocklea in Queensland, NSW’s Auburn and in Epping, Victoria.

“Our partnership brings together international scale and local customisation, shaped by generations of bus industry experience,” White says.

“It’s about delivering world-class products with the kind of service and support Australian operators can genuinely rely on.”

White says the MU12E’s debut at Busworld 2025 was universally well-received, cementing King Long’s reputation as a top-tier global manufacturer and demonstrating that innovation, endurance and elegance are no longer regional ambitions — but shared global achievements.