Dalian upgrades public transport

Dalian in Liaoning province recently received 1,032 brand-new electric buses. (Photo by Cao Zikang/For chinadaily.com.cn)

Altogether 1,032 brand-new electric buses were recently deployed in Dalian, Liaoning province, replacing all gasoline and natural gas buses that were over 10 years old.

"Now that these updated vehicles have been fully deployed, 100 percent of Dalian Public Transport Group's buses are green energy vehicles, with the proportion of new energy buses exceeding 85 percent," said Zhang Yong, a senior manager of Dalian Public Transport Group.

This is the largest public transportation upgrade project since China introduced the large-scale equipment upgrade and consumer goods trade-in program in March 2024, with the procurement to production delivery cycle taking only three months after the initiation.

In October, its parent company — Dalian Public Transport Construction Investment Group — signed a procurement contract with CRRC Times Electric Vehicle Co Ltd.

"These new vehicles have achieved many technological breakthroughs and innovations, utilizing the latest new energy technologies," said Liu Junhua, general manager of CRRC Times Electric Vehicle's Shenyang company. "They offer advantages such as low noise and strong power, and can comprehensively enhance passengers' travel experience."

The new buses are primarily the 8.5-meter and 10.5-meter models, as well as 7-meter, 12-meter and double-decker bus models.

Their "lightweight design, power matching, energy consumption per 100 kilometers" are industry-leading.

CRRC Times Electric Vehicle has independently developed a battery water heating control system, ensuring the batteries operate at optimal temperatures in extremely cold environments.

The new buses are equipped with CATL's new generation of lithium iron phosphate batteries, providing longer range and reducing carbon emissions.

They also feature an automatic chassis lifting function, along with manual wheelchair ramps and wheelchair areas, greatly enhancing the passenger boarding and alighting experience.

"The new vehicles are equipped with many electronic devices, including electronic rearview mirrors, 360-degree surround view and blind spot monitoring, which significantly enhance visibility while driving, greatly increasing safety levels," said Wang Chao, a driver. "Our driver seats also feature shock absorption and adjustable functions, making them very comfortable to sit on, which helps alleviate driver fatigue."