Busworld: Chinese electric buses occupy the entire pavilion – 10/07/2023 – Market

Chinese buses were just curiosities on rare stands at the 2019 edition of the Busworld fair. Four years later, Asian models occupy an entire pavilion at the event held in Brussels (Belgium).

The reason for the advance is electrification. As with passenger cars, China has rapidly evolved in the production of battery-powered buses; the country already offers more options than manufacturers in Europe.

This reflects the global need to decarbonize the transport system. The vast majority of buses on display at Busworld, which is open to the public until Thursday (12), do not burn diesel fuel.

Chinese brands are quick to adapt to the standards of different countries, as can be seen in the available body options.

These Asian companies have filled their shelves with sales representatives, who overcome language difficulties by handing out cards with a QR code for more information. All buses are open and have a well-kept finish.

These are models such as the Golden Dragon Pivot E-12, which is 12 meters long and capable of carrying 79 passengers.

The batteries have a capacity of 525 kWh, enough to cover 300 kilometers in urban use.

Smaller and aimed at use in urban centers, the Altas Novus City V7 is 7.5 meters long. The vehicle is manufactured by Zhongtong, which has been operating in the electric bus market for 15 years — it seems like a short time, but it is longer than most European automakers.

Cai Hongyang, the company’s sales director in Europe, excitedly presents the model’s features. He says that, because it is narrow (about two meters wide), the car travels well through tight streets.

“We have more space and easy access, the batteries are below and on the ceiling”, says the executive while pointing upwards and at the reliefs on the floor.

These batteries that go on top are small and are incorporated into the structure. This way, according to Hongyang, they do not harm weight distribution.

According to data released by Zhongtong, the Nivus City V7’s autonomy is 309 kilometers. There is capacity to transport 37 passengers.

One of the models that attracts the most attention in the space dedicated to Chinese buses is the Yutong U18. Its headlights surrounded by LEDs resemble those of concept vehicles from the past decade. The model is biarticulated and 18 meters long, with capacity for 120 passengers.

Yingee Geng, executive sales manager at Yutong, explains that there are also batteries in the roof, which is elevated. The driver’s seat is isolated by a door with a glass window. This seat has pneumatic cushioning — the same system used in large trucks.

While the U18 has its own style, King Long buses reproduce details from the Mercedes-Benz line, such as the front part with appliqués reminiscent of the German brand’s three-pointed star.

Although the design still features copy printing, the Chinese company has an aggressive strategy to gain the European market. The complete line is on display at Busworld, ranging from 6-meter urban minibuses to 12-meter bus buses. All are electric.

Opposite King Long is Higer, which will build a factory in Ceará. There are already plans for a second unit, in the Central-West region.

A screen installed at the brand’s stand displays images of the Chinese production line and different company actions around the world. The video alternates with audio and subtitles in English, French, Spanish and Arabic.

Higer highlights partnerships with other brands, such as Toyota. The work together with the Japanese automaker is aimed at the development of hydrogen-powered buses.

In other words, 100% electric models are just part of the path for China’s automotive industry.

The journalist traveled at the invitation of Mercedes-Benz do Brasil