Dubai, UAE, boasts one of the most advanced highway networks in the Middle East and is a frontrunner in the green transition of public transport. Recently, in this modern, open, and dynamic city of innovation, electric buses from Zhongtong Bus have begun traversing the urban landscape, providing residents with a new, green, and comfortable travel experience while supporting Dubai's "2050 Net Zero Emissions Strategy."

The groundwork was laid in February 2025, when Zhongtong Bus successfully secured a contract for 91 public buses in Dubai, outcompeting numerous top international brands. This victory marked the first entry of a Chinese bus manufacturer into Dubai's public transport system. Notably, the order included 40 electric buses, setting a record for the largest single electric bus order ever placed in the UAE.

The significance of this record-breaking new energy bus order is amplified by Zhongtong Bus being the sole Chinese company selected. Why Zhongtong Bus? How has Zhongtong Bus achieved its global reach? The answers lie in this landmark export deal to Dubai.

Winning Over Dubai with Product Excellence

This year, Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) signed a substantial bus order valued at 1.1 billion dirhams (approximately $300 million) for 636 new-generation buses compliant with Euro 6 emission standards. Zhongtong Bus won the entire record-breaking segment of 40 electric buses.

This procurement initiative stems from the RTA's net-zero strategy launched in 2023, which aims to convert 100% of buses, taxis, limousines, and school buses to electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles by 2050. The strategy also focuses on transitioning RTA operations to net-zero emissions and minimizing the carbon footprint across key sectors like public transport, construction, related facilities, and waste management.

As part of this plan, Dubai initiated bulk purchases of electric buses this year to drive a greener and smarter transformation of its public transport. Reports indicate that all buses in this tender are equipped with advanced intelligent systems, including driver behavior monitoring, automatic passenger counting, and electronic driver identification. They also feature user-centric amenities such as WiFi, mobile charging ports, bicycle racks, and child seats.

The list of winning suppliers comprises established international industry giants. Zhongtong Bus secured its place among these leaders through superior product capability.

Dubai's environment presents unique challenges; as a desert city, it experiences summer temperatures exceeding 50°C and frequent sandstorms. These conditions impose stringent requirements on electric vehicle components, particularly battery thermal management, sealing performance, and cooling systems. The vehicles delivered by Zhongtong Bus were specifically customized for the Gulf region's climate. They incorporate breakthroughs in key technologies for high-temperature adaptability, ensuring they meet operational demands in this demanding environment.

Consider the vehicle's thermal management system: under extreme heat, the load on this system increases significantly. Zhongtong Bus utilized advanced technologies like intelligent algorithms and digitalization to ensure consistent performance in both range and temperature control even at high temperatures. This technical prowess was crucial to securing the order, underscoring the company's R&D strength and successful implementation of its tailored international strategy.

From Price Player to Value Creator: Rewriting Perceptions

With over 50 years of dedicated experience in the bus industry, Zhongtong Bus is a pioneer in both the R&D and promotion of new energy buses and in pursuing an international strategy. Empowered by its technological advantages and global outlook, Zhongtong Bus continues to enhance the "green and smart" brand image of Chinese buses overseas.

In the new energy sector, decades of research have yielded significant achievements for Zhongtong Bus, particularly in power battery safety and overall vehicle energy optimization.

By leveraging a reliable "three-electric" system and control strategies, high-standard NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) optimization, a suite of advanced intelligent driving technologies, and the application of new materials and processes, Zhongtong Bus meets the stringent requirements of high-end international markets for energy consumption, power, comfort, and safety in new energy buses.

Successfully entering a new country requires demonstrating adaptability in vehicle reliability, environmental suitability, and alignment with user habits—a true test of a company's customization capabilities.

For years, Zhongtong Bus has adhered to a philosophy of deeply cultivating overseas markets and addressing users' personalized needs. The company conducts multiple rounds of product adaptation based on local road conditions, traffic regulations, operational requirements, and passenger habits. Through superior product performance, Zhongtong Bus has consistently competed successfully against international brands, shifting its perception from a "price winner" to a recognized "value creator."

The Dubai order exemplifies this success, as Zhongtong Bus passed the rigorous technical evaluations conducted by Dubai's expert team. This serves as strong evidence that Zhongtong's electric bus technology has reached top international standards, granting it entry into the global bus industry's "premier league."

This is not Zhongtong Bus's first appearance in this league. Its list of overseas destinations already includes other high-end markets like Portugal, Singapore, and Chile.

Furthermore, increasing numbers of Zhongtong new energy buses are being deployed in European countries such as Germany, Bulgaria, and Austria. This not only enhances the global influence of Chinese new energy buses but also contributes to the sustainable development of public transportation worldwide, pioneering new models for green and intelligent mobility.

Source : www.chinabuses.org

Editor : Lucy

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