This year marks the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Saudi Arabia. Driven by Saudi Arabia's “Vision 2030” and China's Belt and Road Initiative, bilateral cooperation in transportation has deepened continuously. Particularly in the fields of green mobility and new-energy transport, since Yutong’s first pure-electric bus was introduced for trial operation in Saudi Arabia in 2023, the country’s fleet of pure-electric buses has grown steadily, accelerating the transformation of its green public transport network.

Recently, nearly 200 Yutong electric buses ordered by Saudi Arabia's Red Sea Global Group and SIXT have arrived in the country, with the first batch of 90 vehicles officially entering service in the Red Sea region, injecting green momentum into the development of a carbon‑neutral transport network there.

Saudi Arabia Welcomes Another Large‑Scale Deployment of Pure‑Electric Buses—The “Oil Kingdom” Embraces “Green Power”

As global carbon‑neutrality strategies advance, Middle Eastern countries have been accelerating the construction of sustainable development models. Against this backdrop, Saudi Arabia launched its “Vision 2030” in 2016 and rolled out a series of key projects. Among them, the “Red Sea Project” is not only crucial for implementing “Vision 2030” and achieving economic diversification, but also an important window for the country to reshape its international image.

To build a fully carbon‑neutral transport network in the Red Sea area, Red Sea Global Group and SIXT conducted thorough research and careful evaluation before reaching a cooperation agreement with Yutong for the purchase of nearly 200 electric buses.

The project covers a diverse range of models, including 12‑meter and 9‑meter electric buses, as well as high‑end VIP custom coaches, capable of meeting varied needs such as tourist shuttles, daily commuting, and premium receptions in the Red Sea region. Once all vehicles are operational, they will further elevate the level of green and intelligent public transport in the area, enhancing the diversity and sustainability of local transportation services.

Nearly Two Decades of Rigorous Validation in High‑Temperature Conditions—Yutong’s Customized Desert Solutions Keep Evolving

The Middle East features a dry climate with year‑round high temperatures, creating operating conditions significantly different from those in China. As early as 2006, when entering the Middle Eastern market, Yutong began collecting key data—such as temperature, humidity, road conditions, and driving frequency on major routes in target cities—and established a localized R&D system.

To adapt to the region’s high‑temperature environment, Yutong has equipped its vehicles with liquid‑cooled batteries and nitrogen‑protection devices to ensure the safety of new‑energy buses operating in extreme heat. The company has also developed a battery liquid‑cooling auto‑start system, which activates cooling based on temperature to keep the battery within an optimal operating range, effectively extending battery life.

The Red Sea region where these buses operate is coastal and experiences high humidity. Yutong has conducted in‑depth customized design and R&D for the vehicles accordingly.

The three‑electric systems (battery, motor, and electric control) of this batch all feature IP68 + IP6K9K protection ratings, enabling safe operation even in extreme conditions such as urban flooding or waterlogged roads. The drive motors are designed with anti‑mud, anti‑sand, and anti‑condensation structures to prevent water and dust ingress, reducing maintenance frequency and costs while comprehensively safeguarding operational safety.

High‑End Layout and Strong Expansion—“Intelligent Chinese Manufacturing” Takes Root Worldwide

Thanks to excellent product strength, service capability, and operational adaptability, Yutong has achieved breakthrough results in multiple high‑end application segments in Saudi Arabia. Its airport shuttle buses are widely used at major Saudi airports; in the long‑distance passenger transport project led by the government’s TGA, Yutong holds a market share exceeding 65%; in high‑end group commuting, it has earned strong recognition from premium clients such as Saudi Aramco; and in the new‑energy bus sector, Yutong contributes Chinese strength to Saudi Arabia’s transport transformation with an 83.2% market share.

As more Chinese companies go global with a higher degree of localization, the international influence of Chinese brands grows daily. As a mainstay of the bus industry, Yutong has carried out localized cooperation through the KD (Knocked‑Down) assembly method in 16 overseas countries and regions. Its new‑energy buses have been sold in batches to nearly 60 countries and regions worldwide, with cumulative sales exceeding 200,000 units (data as of the end of June 2025).

Source : www.chinabuses.org

Editor : Lucy

Views：1802