CHINA Yutong has launched its H8 plug-in hybrid midi bus equipped with its own ReCtrl 3.0 drive system. Nearly 400 people including representatives from a number of key public transport companies and journalists from across China attended the press event.
Hoping it will become the most sought after plug-in hybrid city bus for medium-sized cities, Yutong says the H8 aroused keen interest at the event. Signing ceremonies were held with a number of bus operators for the supply of the bus, Taizhou Public Transport Co deciding to make its purchase at the event.
“Yutong buses have long earned our trust,” said Cha Hongkui, Deputy General Manager of Taizhou Public Transport Co. “We have been cooperating with Yutong for over five years. Currently, Yutong buses account for over 30% of our bus fleet. On the debut of H8, we immediately decide to purchase 28 units as we have been very much impressed by its energy efficiency. We firmly believe that Yutong H8 plug-in hybrid city buses will help us become a more socially responsible enterprise. Not only that, they will bring high economic returns.”
China’s National Electric Bus Electric Control and Safety Engineering Center has released a list of requirements for new energy bus safety technology. Called 3S, there are now specific technical standards covering fire-proofing, water-proofing, and electricity-proofing. The H8 fully meets those requirements as well as IP67 (International Protection) safety standards.
Yutong said that new energy buses must have purchasing and operating costs that can compete with those of fossil-fuelled vehicles. By cutting its body weight, equipping itself with highly efficient electric drive system, highly reliable braking system, and intelligence control system, and other state-of-art technologies, H8 achieves an envious level of economy and is able to cut energy consumption by over 42%, said the manufacturer. Moreover, by optimising its interior space, H8 is capable of loading more passengers. The 8.5m version of the bus can carry 13-18 more passengers than equivalent counterparts. The 8.2m H8 can hold four to eight more passengers.
