Zhongtong Bus has recently achieved a significant breakthrough in the Nordic market, with a batch of its locally tailored new energy buses officially delivered and commencing operations on Denmark's Bornholm Island. This milestone represents more than a simple product delivery; it is a landmark achievement for Zhongtong Bus, underscoring its strategic focus on the European market through a "technology + customization" approach.

Against the backdrop of Europe's policy to phase out fossil fuel vehicles by 2035, the deployment of Zhongtong's new energy buses on the island carries significance far beyond mere transportation convenience.

Nordic countries are known for their strong commitment to natural and eco-friendly lifestyles, with high acceptance yet exceptionally stringent standards for electric vehicles. Denmark, a developed nation with one of the world's highest per capita GDPs, has deeply embedded environmental principles into its core policies. As early as 2018, the country mandated that all public transport tenders require zero-carbon emission vehicles.

Gaining a foothold in the Danish market is no easy feat, especially with international bus brands fiercely competing for dominance. Despite this, Zhongtong’s new energy buses succeeded in winning over Bornholm Island’s public transport authority, earning clear and positive feedback.

According to local media reports, the transport company confirmed that Zhongtong’s buses demonstrated solid technical performance in real-world conditions. The vehicles met or exceeded expectations in hill-starting and overall capability, easily handling even the steepest routes in the area.

Thus, Zhongtong’s buses have proven their practicality and stability in core daily operations such as starting, stopping, and handling varied terrain. Their performance in power and control under challenging conditions has earned technical recognition from the operator.

The successful operation on Bornholm Island is reshaping the European market’s perception of Chinese buses—moving beyond the notion of "price advantage" to establishing a reputation for robust product quality. By performing reliably in extreme conditions such as severe cold and steep slopes, Zhongtong’s new energy buses are demonstrating the hard-core capability of Chinese manufacturing to the European market.

Why the "Chinese Solution" Succeeds

How did Zhongtong’s new energy buses achieve this success? The answer lies in technological strength.

Many established European bus brands have been slow to embrace electrification. For instance, Mercedes-Benz’s first all-electric bus, the eCitaro, only entered mass production in 2018. Moreover, amid global economic fluctuations, several European manufacturers have scaled back R&D and product development—some exiting vehicle production altogether, others reducing chassis investment, and many downsizing their innovation efforts.

In contrast, China's new energy bus sector started early and has achieved significant technological advances. Zhongtong Bus, for example, is one of China’s earliest developers of new energy bus technology. It obtained EU WVTA (Whole Vehicle Type Approval) certification as early as 2015. Following the implementation of new EU General Safety Regulations, Zhongtong became the first Chinese commercial vehicle brand to complete the updated WVTA certification in 2023.

Furthermore, Zhongtong adopts a "one country, one policy" approach in its overseas expansion, developing personalized and customized products based on each market’s climate, development level, and usage habits.

The entry into Bornholm Island is a prime example of this strategy in action.

Bornholm experiences long, snowy winters, year-round low temperatures, and steep terrain—posing extreme challenges to battery endurance, vehicle durability, and power performance. Zhongtong tackled these issues head-on with a tailored "technical customization" approach:

For cold climates, an optimized battery thermal management system ensures high performance in low temperatures, effectively addressing range reduction.

To combat corrosion from frequent de-icing agent use, stainless steel and aluminum materials enhance the body's corrosion resistance.

For steep slopes, a customized power system delivers strong output, ensuring reliable starting and climbing ability on snowy roads and enhancing safety in complex terrain.

These targeted technical upgrades have earned Zhongtong’s new energy buses strong local recognition.

"National Pride" Opening Doors in Global Markets

For years, Zhongtong’s new energy buses have adhered to an overseas strategy centered on "technology + localization," developing vehicles that comply with local regulations and suit regional driving habits, thereby supporting transportation upgrades worldwide.

In Portugal, Zhongtong customized bus liveries to incorporate European cultural elements.

In Singapore, a three-door, low-floor design was adopted to improve passenger flow during peak hours and enhance accessibility for passengers with special needs.

This is not the first time Zhongtong has made waves in Denmark. In April 2025, the company showcased two high-quality models—the H13E and V7—at the Denmark Transport Expo. The H13E is EU WVTA certified, while the V7 is equipped with a Level 2 autonomous driving assistance system, both meeting international top-tier standards.

Through technological excellence, Zhongtong’s new energy buses are writing a "national pride" success story overseas. To date, Zhongtong buses have entered markets including Portugal, Singapore, Dubai, Chile, Germany, and Bulgaria, steadily expanding the brand’s influence in the global high-end segment.

As globalization deepens, Chinese new energy bus solutions—exemplified by Zhongtong—are attracting worldwide attention. Chinese bus manufacturers are growing stronger internationally, earning increasing respect and recognition. Zhongtong’s Danish breakthrough symbolizes the evolution of Chinese commercial vehicle exports from mere "product export" to true "brand export," offering a replicable model driven by "technology + localization" for global expansion.

Source : www.chinabuses.org

Editor : Sissi

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