E-MAIL
New energy buses are more environmental, more convenient and safer. In Qingdao, all the new energy buses are powered by electricity. The correspondent learnt from the Qingdao Technology and Science Bureau that the electric buses had covered over 30 million kilometers in Qingdao and 2000 more electric buses would enter service in 2015. Here is the brief interview with the related officials.
450 electric buses saving 9000 tons of fuel
“The promotion of using new energy buses started in 2011 and the by new energy buses, we mainly refer to electric buses.” A related official said to our journalist on 24th February. Up to July, 2013, 492 million RMB was spent to buy to 450 electric buses. Operated by Qingdao Buses Group, Shipping Group and Development Zone Buses Corp, these buses are serving on 28 routes in the city.
These 450 electric buses brought about great environmental benefits. They have been in service for 950 days, covering over 32 million kilometers. A related official from the Technology and Science Bureau said, “According to calculation, about 9000 tons of diesel was saved, which means it has brought huge environmental benefits.
Qingdao is recognized as the only model city in Shandong Province for its promotion of the new energy buses. During its time of being the model city from 2013 to the end of 2015, the government will provide special subsidies for purchasing new energy buses. Qingdao will seize this opportunity and continue the promotion of electrical buses with the goal that 2000 electric buses will enter service in 2015.
500 thousand RMB subsidies for each electric bus
Zhang Ning, the head of Advanced and Innovative Technology Department of Qingdao Technology and Science Bureau, told us that the length of the electric buses is over 10 meters so according to related policies, each will get a subsidy of 500 thousand RMB.
Zhang Ning indicated that there were also obstacles in the promotion of electric buses. They need long charging hours and they are more expensive and complicated in use than the fuel powered buses. Three charging stations have been built on Xuejiadao, Yan’an 1st Road and Shenzhen Road.