The latest round of policies promoting new energy vehicles (NEVs) in rural areas—jointly issued on June 18 by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and four other ministries—has been fully rolled out. This marks an optimal historical window for accelerating the electrification of urban and rural passenger transport services.

23 Years of R&D Forge Core Competitiveness in New Energy Buses

As one of China’s earliest manufacturers to commercialize new energy buses, Golden Dragon has devoted 23 years to the NEV sector. The company established its first new energy R&D team in 2003, launched its first-generation hybrid buses in 2005, and pioneered commercial operations in the industry in 2008. Today, the global fleet of Golden Dragon new energy buses exceeds 80,000 units. Years of technological accumulation have translated into robust product competitiveness. With a comprehensive lineup of flagship new energy models, Golden Dragon is well-positioned to seize policy opportunities and deliver all-scenario mobility solutions for urban and rural travel.

Committed to independent R&D, Golden Dragon has built a complete technical system encompassing the three-electric system (battery, motor, and electronic control) and vehicle integration. Its service network includes more than 900 authorized stations nationwide, supported by over 100 exclusive new energy maintenance outlets offering round-the-clock support. Power batteries come with an extended warranty of up to 10 years or 1 million kilometers, significantly reducing long-term operational concerns for customers.

Golden Dragon Passenger Vehicle: An All-Rounder for Integrated Rural Passenger, Cargo, and Postal Services

Designed to meet the core demands of township and rural passenger transport, the Golden Dragon passenger vehicle is the ideal choice for replacing aging rural buses. Building on over 30 years of solid reputation for the Hiace series, this narrow-body model features outstanding gradeability to navigate narrow country roads and steep slopes. It offers flexible seating layouts ranging from 5 to 18 seats, allowing quick conversion between passenger transport and mixed passenger-cargo use—perfectly aligned with the national policy promoting integrated passenger, cargo, and postal services.

The vehicle features cathodic electrodeposition anti-corrosion treatment, ensuring a 10-year service life with robust performance and low failure rates. Its energy consumption per 100 kilometers is only one-third that of comparable fuel-powered vehicles. Combined with a replacement subsidy of up to RMB 60,000 for rural passenger vehicles and full exemption from purchase tax, it drastically reduces acquisition and operating costs for individual rural operators.

ASTAR Microcirculation Bus: A Benchmark for Short-Distance Urban-Rural Feeder Services

As the best-selling microcirculation bus nationwide, the ASTAR is one of the few 6-meter models with a low single-step entry. It is equipped with metro-style electric plug-in sliding doors for barrier-free boarding, making it highly elderly-friendly. Its ultra-lightweight body is nearly 2 tonnes lighter than competing models, delivering extended driving range and lower energy consumption. The compact, streamlined shape navigates narrow lanes in old residential compounds and township feeder roads with ease, while the large flat-floor interior efficiently accommodates peak passenger flows.

With reliable quality and an affordable price, over 3,000 units have been delivered to date. The ASTAR has become the benchmark choice for county-level microcirculation routes, township shuttle services, and short-distance travel at rural scenic spots.

SPIRIT Smart Minibus: The Future Choice for Smart Cultural Tourism and Campus Shuttle Services

The new-generation SPIRIT microcirculation bus addresses the growing demand for smart mobility. Its 16.6-square-meter panoramic windows create an immersive sightseeing experience, while the 1,200-mm extra-wide sliding door, combined with a fully flat barrier-free floor, balances passenger comfort with boarding efficiency.

The vehicle is equipped with a full suite of active safety systems, with an optional L3 autonomous driving kit to support unmanned demonstration operations in scenic areas and industrial parks. Remote scheduling and real-time fault early warning are available via Golden Dragon’s intelligent vehicle networking platform. Batches of these buses have been deployed at cultural tourism attractions, port shuttle lines, and technology parks, emerging as a highlight of smart urban-rural transport.

New-Generation Public Bus: Flagship for Green Urban-Rural Trunk Line Transport

The new-generation electric buses are built with platform-based, modular, and lightweight design, forming a complete product matrix spanning 6 to 10.5 meters. Featuring enhanced passenger capacity, ultra-low energy consumption, and hassle-free maintenance, the models set new standards for urban microcirculation and trunk public transport.

Covering vehicle lengths from 5.9 to 10.5 meters with passenger capacities ranging from 19 to 94 seats, they adapt flexibly to community feeder routes, campus commuter lines, urban trunk routes, and suburban express services. Models under 8.5 meters feature a short rear overhang and large departure angle for superior off-road capability. Thanks to the low-entry single-step design and long wheelbase, interior space is maximized: the 6-meter version achieves the passenger capacity of a 7-meter bus, while the 8-meter model matches the capacity of a 10-meter vehicle. This enables flexible all-day operation with high passenger capacity during rush hours and ample seating during off-peak periods.

All models are fitted with third-generation high-efficiency permanent magnet synchronous motors with peak efficiency reaching 97%, alongside industry-leading braking energy recovery. The intelligent battery thermal management system ensures stable operation in temperatures ranging from –30°C to 55°C, and the three-electric system meets IP68 high-level protection standards. Supported by national special subsidies for public transport fleet renewal, the Qianjing series helps local authorities rapidly build fully electrified public transport networks across cities and counties.

Since the first commercial new energy bus rolled out of Xiamen in 2008, Golden Dragon has expanded its product lineup to cover all urban and rural travel scenarios. Guided by technological innovation, the company has consistently led industry progress for years.

Riding the wave of favorable policies, Golden Dragon will leverage its 23 years of new energy R&D expertise, full-spectrum product range, and comprehensive after-sales service network. We look forward to partnering with passenger transport enterprises nationwide to seize policy dividends, advance the green upgrade of urban and rural transportation, and bring high-quality new energy buses to every rural highway and urban street.

Source : www.chinabuses.org

Editor : Sissi

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