New buses could help Beijing cut fuel intake
By Guan Xiaofeng (China Daily)
Updated: 2006-01-03 06:35

As part of Beijing's effort to cut down fuel consumption and reduce emissions, 50 energy-efficient buses using hydraulic hybrid technology will soon be experimentally operating throughout Beijing's streets.

If the plan proves successful, the new technology could be introduced to all the city's buses, said an official with the Beijing Municipal Commission of Development and Reform.

Although the experimental operation might last for one to two years, commission official Zhang Yanyou estimates it will take less than one year to reach a decision.

Huang Qian, another official with the commission, said the breakthrough in hydraulic hybrid vehicles (HHV) technology is major for Beijing, which is prioritizing development of public transport as the main way to ease its increasing traffic pressure.

"Beijing has been chosen by the central government as a pilot study in the formation of a circular economy," Huang said. "The introduction of energy-efficient buses is part of our efforts to build a resources-saving and environment-friendly metropolis."

Beijing has now 18,000 buses running on the road, according to the city's traffic management bureau.

HHVs can save more than 30 per cent of fuel consumption and reduce 20 to 70 per cent of emissions, said Hu Shenglong, vice-president of the Beijing-based Chargeboard Electric Vehicle Co, Ltd, which develops the technology.

HHVs have special devices to absorb and deposit energy in the process of braking and release the energy when the vehicles restart or speed up, said Hu.

As a result, HHVs can serve as city buses because they experience frequent braking and restarting.

The hydraulic devices can be added to the chassis of all type of vehicles without changing their structures or engines.

The private high-tech company is the first Chinese company to develop the technology and grasp full intellectual property rights, Hu said.

It has been applied to the buses in some of China's airports and attracted interest from several major bus companies and manufacturers in the nation.

Last year, the company signed a contract with the Beijing Bus Company to jointly promote the technology in the city.

Zhang said the government would financially support the development of HHV technology in the initial stage and provide a platform for its industrialization.

After implementation in Beijing, Zhang said he hopes the HHV buses can be introduced to other parts of the country.

Earlier this year, the municipal government announced it would renew about 8,000 buses by the 2008 Olympic Games.

HHVs are just one of the type of energy-efficient vehicles promoted in China. The other types include: hybrid electric vehicles, fuel cell vehicles and pure electric vehicles.

(China Daily 01/03/2006 page3)