Zhongtong LCK6126EVG (N12)

Zhongtong LCK6126EVG (N12)
Manufacturer	Zhongtong Bus Holding Co., Ltd.
Bodywork	NA (integral)
Years in operation	2022—Present
Operators	ComfortDelGro Bus
Technical Data
Length	TBC
Motor	Permanent magnet synchronous motor
Battery	LFP (350 kWh)
Accessibility	Low Floor
Emission Standard	Zero tailpipe emissions

The Zhongtong N12 is an electric single-deck city bus model offered by Chinese bus manufacturer Zhongtong Bus Holding Co., Ltd. (中通客车). The 12-metre bus belongs to Zhongtong’s N series range of electric city buses.

Local private bus operator ComfortDelGro Bus procured a fleet of Zhongtong N12 buses for use on university shuttle bus routes (exact model designation: Zhongtong LCK6126EVG), configured as full-low-floor battery-electric buses with two doors. Buses were first spotted in Singapore in August 2022.

Background

The N series electric city bus range was launched by Zhongtong on 1 November 2019. Four models of different lengths were offered, namely the N8, N10, N12 and N18, the last of which is an articulated bus.

According to Zhongtong, extensive optimizations for energy saving, such as improved regenerative braking, HVAC and other subsystems, achieve a 7 to 10% improvement in energy consumption over previous generations of electric buses. These features, combined with long-life traction batteries (supplied by CATL) and maintenance-free motor bearings, contribute to the low cost of ownership. Its steel unibody construction also achieved a 5-star safety rating by C-SCAP.

The bus has entered service in many Chinese cities, the largest being an order for 811 units for Harbin that were optimized for cold weather operation. Outside of China, around 30 buses were delivered to Egypt in 2020, and trial buses were delivered to Porto (Portugal) and Israel for trial in 2021. Zhongtong N12 in both battery-electric and trolleybus variants were also delivered to Mexico City in 2021 for trial.

Zhongtong’s entry into the Singapore electric bus scene comes amid the Land Transport Authority (LTA)’s push to rapidly electrify the public bus fleet. Half of all public buses will be electric by 2030, which is about 3,000 buses.

ComfortDelGro Bus orders

Private bus operator ComfortDelGro Bus secured multi-year operating contracts from both the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in November 2021 and February 2022 respectively, for the provision of campus shuttle bus services at both universities.

As part of these contracts which take effect from late 2022, ComfortDelGro Bus will gradually introduce electric buses to the shuttle bus routes. While a rollout timeline has not been provided, all buses serving both campuses will eventually be replaced with electric ones, which is about 50 buses. However, Zhongtong LCK6126EVG buses will make up only a part of this bulk order, as BYD B12 buses were also known to have been procured.

According to requirements announced by both universities, buses will be wheelchair accessible and equipped with a telematics system, an anti-fatigue system as well as a forward collision and side collision warning system. A mobile app will offer access to real-time information on bus location along the route, arrival time, and passenger occupancy rate.

Interior

The Zhongtong LCK6126EVG is a low-floor single-deck bus, offering step-free access across the entire length of the bus. ComfortDelGro units come in a conventional two-door configuration.

Like the Volvo B9L buses, the interior design prioritizes standing space, given the mostly short-haul trips undertaken on campus shuttle buses.

The interior design strongly mimics that of Yutong E12 electric buses purchased by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and Yutong ZK6126HGA buses purchased by Woodlands Transport. These buses use the same grey floorboard design with crescent patterns, and seats are all supplied by Polish company Ster in similar blue colours.

Wheelchair Accommodation

The bus features two wheelchair bays, both located opposite the exit door. They each accommodate one passenger-in-wheelchair (PIW). Foldable armrests and a stroller restraint system are provided for wheelchair users and the securing of prams respectively, mirroring similar features on LTA-procured buses.

Passenger Information Display System

The bus is installed with a Passenger Information Display System, with LCD screens facing inside and outside the bus.

3-Door Trial Bus

In September 2022, a 3-door variant similar to the Zhongtong LCK6126EVG was spotted inside the Cycle & Carriage compound at Pandan Gardens, bearing the registration plate “SG0000M”.

The bus is painted to be what appears to be the Land Transport Authority’s SGBus Lush Green Livery, and may be offered to them for a trial.

Gallery

See Also:

• Linkker LM312 – another model of 3-door electric single-deck bus
• 60 Electric Buses procured by LTA
• Electric Buses in Singapore

Other Trial Buses:

• SG4001J: BYD K9
• SG4002G: MAN Lion’s City SD – 3-door Concept Bus
• SG4003D: Volvo B8L
• SG4004B: Mercedes-Benz Citaro hybrid
• SG4005Z: BYD K9RC
• SG4006X: CRRC C12

Other upcoming trial buses:

• LexSWITCH E12 SD

References:

• Yutong ranks first in market share, Zhongtong and CRRC compete for second place. – Industry news – Jianyang Feichi Auto Parts Co., Ltd (jyfeichi.com)
• 8年省10万！中通客车新N系市场火热的背后——价值篇 (zhongtong.com)
• 811 Units Zhongtong New N Series Electric City Buses Start Operation in Harbin_Buses News_chinabuses.org
• “打卡”金字塔！中通新N系助力埃及再添绿色新动力 (Zhongtong Bus Co., Ltd)
• Egypt Unveils Restaurant and Electric Bus Fleet at the Great Pyramids to Lure Tourists (businessinsider.com)
• Zhongtong New N Series Electric Buses Start Operation in Portugal_Buses News_chinabuses.org
• MAXIBUSES: METROBUS
• AYCAMX – Autobuses y Camiones México : Camiones Ciudad de México 425. STE