Expansion of hybrid buses gets a boost in China

The expansion of hybrid buses has received a boost in China, where First Auto Works (FAW), one of the country's largest vehicle producers, has taken 70 pre-transmission hybrid drive systems for application in a hybrid bus from Enova Systems.

FAW has ordered a further 150 hybrid drive systems that will be delivered in 2009 after the companies executed an agreement to supply a further 800 pre-transmission hybrid drive systems in 2010.

The Enova drive system will be integrated and branded under the name of Jeifang, which is a 12 metre hybrid bus capable of carrying 103 passengers and travelling at speeds up to 53mph. The bus meets Euro III emission standards with a rating of 7.8mpg and discharging 20 per cent fewer emissions.

The hybrid power buses are part of China's initiative to produce 500,000 electric and hybrid powered vehicles - which will account for five per cent of the automotive market.

Subsidies are being offered in 13 trial cities including Beijing, Dalian, Changchun, Shanghai and Shenzhen. Each vehicle used in public services attracts a subsidy up to 600,000 yuan.