Geely New Energy Commercial Vehicle Group’s (GCV) subsidiary brand, Yuan
Cheng, has launched two new zero-emission buses in Beijing for the Chinese
market. The F12 is a hydrogen fuel cell-powered bus, while the C11 is a pure
electric bus.
The F12 is Geely’s
first commercial vehicle to use hydrogen fuel cell technology. Zero-emissions
FCVs emit only water, and the F12 is capable of over 500 km from a 10-minute
refuel job. Geely says that in real world operational tests, it had an energy
consumption rate of 7.5 kg of hydrogen per 100 km, making one full tank enough
for a day’s operation.
The F12 was
developed by GCV in response to China’s national new energy policy and as part
of Geely’s continuing R&D into fuel cell tech. Hydrogen fuel can be
extracted from fossil fuel, generated as a by-product of chemical production,
and from electrolysis – it’s the ultimate “eco fuel” as the emissions is water.
In addition, refuelling an FCV is similar to a normal ICE-powered car,
simplifying infrastructure building.
Powertrain aside,
the F12 city bus is available in both 12m and 10.5m long versions. It comes
with real time remote monitoring, road condition warning, remote fault
diagnostic, and other smart features to assist bus companies in scheduling and
fleet management.
While electric
buses aren’t groundbreaking, GCV says the C11 utilises Geely’s advanced
lightweight tech and comes with the full suite of safety and driver assist tech
that you’ll find in the brand’s passenger cars. AEB, LDW, ESP, electronic
rearview mirror, electronic parking brake with auto hold and driver fatigue
management are all present, along with an Intelligent Energy Control System
that improves energy efficiency by 16%.
Geely’s Yuan Cheng
buses are produced in in Nanchong, Sichuan and in Jinzhong, Shanxi province.
Yuan Cheng has a range of pure electric, range extended, hydrogen fuel cell and
methanol-powered buses between six and 12 metres long. The company also
provides training, after-sales service, parts, charging services and financial services,
among other services. The new F12 and C11 expands the brand’s offerings into
the public transportation sector.
