The first batch of 300 new energy electric buses manufactured locally in Zhongshan departed from the Banfu-based Guangdong Xiaolan Car Co Ltd on June 18. They were officially delivered to the Zhongshan Public Transportation Group and will be placed into service in the urban and rural bus routes of Zhongshan.

"The buses are lightweight and tailor-made according to Zhongshan's road condition. The new fleet will boast 6-metre (body length) and 8-metre (body length) models. Each bus features high quality performance including a five-in-one electronic control system, fast charging, and convenient service configuration," said Wu Haibin, Executive Deputy General Manager of Guangdong Xiaolan Car Co Ltd, in an interview. He went on to explain that the first batch of electric buses uses high-energy-density and fast-charging lithium manganese oxide batteries. It only takes half an hour for these buses to be fully charged, and they benefit from a range of 200 kilometers.

Guo Yang, General Manager of Zhongshan Public Transportation Group, disclosed that the Zhongshan Public Transportation Group now operates more than 2,200 buses and 186 bus routes, with an average daily passenger volume of nearly 500,000. There were 1,100 electric buses updated last year. Another 700 are planned to be updated this year, and 540 are expected to be updated in 2020.

By the end of 2020, Zhongshan Public Transportation Group will have converted over to 100% electric power for its bus fleet. New energy buses start, accelerate, and run with almost no noise nor vibration. The exceptionally smooth performance improves the ride experience of passengers.