On August 14, it was learned from the 4th companies of Zhengzhou Public Transportation Corporation that two hydrogen fuel cell buses will be put into use on the bus line 727 in Zhengzhou this week, and then 20 hydrogen fuel cell buses are expected to be put into commercial demonstration operation in the city.

This is the first time for Zhengzhou to apply the hydrogen powered bus, which is independently developed by Yutong Company. Compared to full electric buses with 200km driving range after being charged for two hours, the hydrogen fuel cell buses boast 500km driving range and less than 10 minutes refueling time. Apart from these two advantages, this new energy bus has also achieved zero pollution and “negative” emissions. Improvements have been achieved in terms of vehicle safety, acceleration, shock absorption and convenience, bringing passengers and drivers more comfortable, convenient and user-friendly experience.

During the operation of Yutong hydrogen fuel cell city buses, they can eliminate 99.9% of the inhalable particles in the atmosphere by absorbing air pollutants, effectively remove ultra-fine dust smaller than PM2.5, and emit clean water and air,” said Guo Yongshan from the New Energy Product Department of Yutong Company.

According to Wang Shuzheng, head of the Fleet Management Department of the 4th Company of Zhengzhou Public Transportation Corporation, the newly used buses are equipped with air suspension instead of steel leaf spring, enabling the vehicle to run more stably. Under normal running status, the chassis is less than twenty centimeters away from the ground, making it easier for passengers to get on and off the vehicle. In order to meet the needs of running in the uneven or waterlogged road sections, the vehicle can be raised by twenty centimeters on the original basis.

Taking the physically challenged passengers into consideration, the vehicle has the kneeling function to reduce the body floor by ten centimeters on the service door side, thus facilitating the their boarding and alighting. Meanwhile, the manually controlled ramp can help the wheelchair users to get on and off the bus easily.

Furthermore, the vehicle is equipped with four hydrogen leakage sensors. When the hydrogen concentration reaches 1.6%, the alarm is triggered. When it reaches 2%, the hydrogen supply will be cut off, and the alarm on the dashboard will alert the driver to take corresponding measures as soon as possible. In addition, the vehicle is also provided with two sets of video surveillance systems, and totally seven cameras are available to provide an overall surveillance so as to guarantee the safety of the vehicle.

"From diesel and gasoline powered buses to hybrid and full electric buses, to hydrogen fuel cell buses, the fuel form of buses is constantly changing, and the bus models are also upgrading. All these are aimed to give citizens a more humanized and clean travel environment,” said Wang Zhengshu.