In response to the zero - carbon emission vision of 2035, the first batch of minibuses with pantograph charging in Hong Kong have started trial operations in the Kowloon Tong area. The 9 Golden Dragon Pantograph Charging Kast models have launched an innovative "charge-and-go" technology that solves the problem of short - range urban transportation, marking a key step for Hong Kong's public transport towards low - carbon transformation.

Technology breakthrough: 5 - minute charging for 30 - km range, giving minibuses more freedom

Hong Kong's more than 6,000 diesel - powered minibuses shuttle through the streets every day. The 300 - to - 400 - km operating range used to be a barrier for pure - electric models. After technical research, the pantograph charging solution has made a breakthrough in a "dynamic energy - replenishing" mode. The Golden Dragon Kast model is equipped with a 128 - kWh 2C fast - charging battery. By connecting the pantograph on the roof to the charging device, the theoretical charging power can reach 500 kW. A 5 - minute charge can provide a range of 30 km, and a full charge can be achieved in about 40 minutes. Drivers can make appointments through a mobile app and use short breaks to recharge, easily meeting the power - consumption needs for the whole day's operations and completely solving the problem of "range anxiety".

Minibus is now charging using the pantograph.

On February 14, 2025, the first two pilot models were put into operation. In the past half - year, the vehicles have performed stably in the complex road conditions of the Kowloon Tong area, and their charging efficiency, range and reliability have all been verified in practice.

"Diesel - powered vehicles used to cost nearly 10,000 yuan a month for fuel. Now the charging cost is less than half of that. And without a traditional engine, we also save the monthly maintenance costs and avoid the environmental trouble of exhaust emissions," said Xie Qiang, the person in charge of a minibus operator participating in the trial operations. The pantograph charging technology has enabled minibus operations to shift from "high pollution and high cost" to "zero emission and low energy consumption".

Customized design: High - end configuration tailored to Hong Kong's road conditions, with details reflecting craftsmanship

As the first pantograph charging bus model developed by Golden Dragon specifically for the Hong Kong market, the vehicle has achieved a comprehensive upgrade in safety and comfort.

Taking "Hong Kong's needs" as the starting point for research and development, this pantograph charging Kast model has deeply integrated technology with the local situation. The vehicle is equipped with standard seat - belt reminders, tire - pressure - monitoring systems, 360 - degree panoramic driving - assist functions and electronic handbrakes, which not only meet Hong Kong's strict traffic safety standards but also optimize the handling performance for the urban road conditions with many slopes and narrow alleys.

In terms of charging methods, the model is also well - prepared. In addition to charging with the pantograph, it can also be charged with a charging gun at a charging station with a charging pile.

The body size of this Golden Dragon Kast minibus is the same as that of traditional Hong Kong minibuses, ensuring that the vehicle can travel flexibly in densely populated areas. And its zero - emission characteristic can effectively improve the air quality in busy commercial areas.

Green vision: The replacement plan for 6,000 diesel - powered buses has started to reshape the urban transport ecosystem

This trial operation is an important milestone of the "Green Minibus Transformation Plan" by the Hong Kong Transport Department. According to the plan, all diesel - powered minibuses will be gradually replaced by clean - energy models such as pantograph charging and pure - electric vehicles over the next decade, which is expected to reduce carbon emissions by thousands of tons each year.

As the first batch of pantograph charging minibuses shuttle through the streets of Hong Kong, the dynamic charging pantographs on the roofs have become a vivid symbol of the green transformation. This "transport revolution" that started in Kowloon Tong is now using technological innovation to draw a clear outline of a zero - carbon future in the Pearl of the Orient.

Source : www.chinabuses.org

Editor : Sissi

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