Zhongtong Bus Makes Its Mark at Persontrafik Stockholm
22 October 2026
Stockholm, 20 October (local time) – Persontrafik, Northern Europe's largest and most prestigious public transport exhibition, opened at Stockholm International Fairs. Zhongtong Bus brought three all-electric models to the show: the 12m H12EPlus coach, the 15m N15E city bus and the 7m V7 micro-circulation bus.
Zhongtong's stand drew public transport operators and industry professionals from Sweden, Denmark, Norway and other Nordic nations, who came to view the vehicles and explore partnership opportunities. Purpose-built upgrades for extreme cold-weather performance and custom engineering aligned with local operating requirements demonstrated the technical strengths of Chinese new-energy buses, giving Nordic stakeholders a clearer view of the high-end evolution of China's bus manufacturing.
For Zhongtong Bus, this Stockholm appearance is far more than another stop on the overseas exhibition circuit. The company delivered its first vehicles to the Nordic market just one year ago, and it now stands at a pivotal stage — shifting from new entrant to established, long-term player in the region.
Tailored for the Nordics: Three Models Built for Local Conditions
The H12EPlus premium coach, N15E high-capacity urban bus and V7 micro-circulation bus are not simply standard export units. They form a localised solution addressing key Nordic market pain points across intercity tourism, urban mass transit and short-distance feeder services.
Engineered specifically for European operations, the H12EPlus premium intercity and touring coach is fitted with a 465.99 kWh high-performance battery, delivering 550 km of range under SORT cycle conditions and seating up to 55 passengers.
A major development focus was its battery system optimised for frigid climates. Its latest-generation LFP battery pack, paired with an independent intelligent thermal management system and integrated insulation structure, effectively limits capacity loss in low temperatures.
Built on a rigid full-monocoque cage body that meets EU safety standards, the coach features driver-assistance systems including LKA and ACC, plus over-the-air (OTA) update capability — balancing safety, passenger comfort and smart fleet maintenance on long-distance routes.
The 15m N15E high-capacity city bus is designed for busy Nordic urban commuter networks. Powered by a 622.75 kWh battery, it achieves 650 km of SORT range and carries up to 100 passengers. Its integrated battery temperature control system and low-temperature heat pump allow stable operation down to -20°C, with remote preheating to ensure reliable morning departures in freezing winters.
Nordic public transport regulations mandate accessible travel, and the N15E complies through a low-entry single-step floor, wide aisle, wheelchair ramp and secure wheelchair anchoring points. To combat chassis and frame corrosion caused by winter road salt, Zhongtong applies specialised anti-corrosion coatings, extending the vehicle's service life.
Additional thoughtful features include underfloor heating for the driver's cabin, while a steered third axle delivers a tighter turning circle to suit the region's hilly terrain and narrow city streets.
The compact V7 micro-circulation bus boasts a sleek, contemporary design and a full suite of intelligent safety assistance systems, raising the bar for smart operation and catering to niche short-haul transit segments.
Together, the intercity coach, urban bus and feeder bus form a comprehensive portfolio addressing the diverse transport demands of Northern Europe. All three share a core design priority: extreme cold resistance and Nordic customisation — the most stringent entry requirement for buses operating in this market.
Global Expansion Strategy: Unlocking New Overseas Growth
Beyond the Nordic region, Zhongtong Bus continues to advance its globalisation roadmap. In the first half of 2026, Zhongtong exported 4,390 buses, up 23.4% year on year. This rapid overseas growth creates fresh revenue streams and complements its domestic business.
Behind these figures lies a clear strategic shift: from transactional export sales toward brand-led internationalisation, and from winning individual market orders to building a coordinated global footprint.
Zhongtong has grown into Portugal's leading supplier of new-energy buses, completed one of the largest electric bus deliveries in the UAE, put nearly 2,000 electric buses into service across Chilean cities, rolled out multi-power solutions in Mexico, and shipped batches of the N11D double-decker electric sightseeing bus to Vietnam. The company is evolving from supplying standardised vehicles to delivering customised solutions for distinct operational scenarios.
Zhongtong buses now operate in more than 100 countries and territories worldwide, with over 100,000 new-energy buses in service globally. Its overseas business is gradually moving away from sporadic, order-based trading toward long-term development focused on building sustained global brand value.
The Nordic chapter of Zhongtong's journey began on Denmark's Bornholm Island. In September 2025, a fleet of custom-built Zhongtong electric buses entered service there.
Bornholm faces long, snowy winters and undulating, challenging roads. Zhongtong implemented targeted upgrades for low-temperature battery performance, anti-corrosion protection against road salt, and stable traction for snowy starts. A local Danish operator commented: "These buses represent a clear improvement over the electric buses we previously operated, and we have full confidence in their performance."
The Nordic market sets an exceptionally high bar, and successful validation here serves as a benchmark endorsement for premium bus markets worldwide. The value of the Bornholm project lies not in order volume but in real-world proof: Zhongtong's vehicles and technical packages have passed rigorous testing under harsh Nordic operating conditions.
As the global bus industry reshapes itself amid the energy transition, Chinese bus brands are undergoing a historic transformation — evolving from providers of cost-competitive alternatives into co-shapers of industry technical standards.
Zhongtong's showcase in Stockholm both demonstrates its track record in global exports and signals its strategic direction for the next growth phase. Its three Nordic-focused electric models stand as tangible proof of that commitment.
Source : www.chinabuses.org
Editor : Isabella
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