Zhongtong LCK6126EVG (N12)

Zhongtong LCK6126EVG (N12)
Manufacturer	Zhongtong Bus Holding Co., Ltd.
Bodywork	NA (integral)
Years in operation	2023—Present
Operators	Go-Ahead Singapore
Technical Data
Length	12 m
Motor	Dana–Prestolite TM4 SUMO MD
Battery	CATL LFP (350 kWh)
Accessibility	Low Floor
Emission Standard	Zero tailpipe emissions

The Zhongtong LCK6126EVG 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, and is hence also referred to as the Zhongtong N12.

Aside from units bought by ComfortDelGro Bus, one Zhongtong N12 bus was also supplied for revenue service trials with the Land Transport Authority (LTA). The bus was first sighted in September 2022, bearing the Lush Green livery of the LTA public bus fleet, and comes fitted with three passenger doors. On 10 March 2023, this bus was registered to Go-Ahead Singapore as SG4010H.

For the version of this bus procured by local private bus operator ComfortDelGro Bus, visit this article: Zhongtong LCK6126EVG (ComfortDelGro Bus).

In line with LTA’s ongoing efforts to rapidly electrify the public bus fleet, half of all public buses will be electric by 2030. More detailed coverage of this rollout is covered at Electric Buses in Singapore.

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 buses 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.

LTA Trial Bus

In September 2022, a Zhongtong LCK6126EVG was spotted inside the Cycle & Carriage compound at Pandan Gardens, bearing the placeholder registration plate “SG0000M”. The bus is configured with three dual-leaf passenger doors, similar to the Linkker LM312 and CRRC C12.

That same month, two-door Zhongtong LCK6126EVG buses made their debut with ComfortDelGro bus on campus shuttle buses at NUS, with three-door variants entering service later in 2022.

On 10 March 2023, this demonstrator bus was registered to Go-Ahead Singapore, bearing the registration number SG4010H.

The bus was also documented by a local Youtuber whilst the bus was stationed outside the Cycle & Carriage compound. Uploaded in December 2022, fare revenue equipment was already installed on the bus.

The Zhongtong LCK6126EVG offered for LTA trials is fitted with EDS/PIDS units from Luminator and Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) from TNT Surveillance, which promotes commonality and hence ease of integration with many other buses operating in Singapore’s public bus fleet. Rather than using Zhongtong’s own dashboard design which is fixed in place, the LTA demonstrator opted for an adjustable Actia dashboard, similar to those on the Yutong E12/Yutong E12DD. The door buttons are also more easily accessible in the Actia design.

The interior layout of the bus features some modifications over ComfortDelGro Bus’ units. The floorboards are now a uniform dark blue-grey, in contrast to ComfortDelGro Bus’ units which feature a grey floorboard design with crescent patterns mirroring those used on LTA buses. In addition, an extra pair of seats are fitted on the raised platform opposite the third door, where an additional floor step and stanchion pole help commuters access this pair of seats.

This, combined with an additional two pairs of seats installed on the left side (standing area for ComfortDelGro Bus), increases the seating capacity from 22 to 28 seats. Seats are supplied by Polish company Ster (model: Ster 8MI), and upholstered in blue and red.

Finally, the LTA trial bus has stanchion poles and handlebars in yellow rather than grey. Interior partition panels, whilst installed in the same positions, have an extra ‘extension’ protruding towards the aisle possibly for added modesty protection.

Brief Specifications

LTA Trial Bus

Interior

The Zhongtong LCK6126EVG is a low-floor single-deck bus, offering step-free access across the entire length of the bus. The three-door configuration promotes ease of passenger access, with all doors being dual-leaf and at least a metre wide.

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. No foldable seats are offered at the wheelchair bays.

Passenger Information Display System

The bus is installed with a Passenger Information Display System, supplied by Luminator Technology Group. These include LCD screens and LED text displays facing inside and outside the bus.

Gallery:

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See Also:

• 60 Electric Buses procured by LTA
• Electric Buses in Singapore

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
• Quantron Launches 12-M Battery-Electric Bus; Fuel-Cell Variant to Follow – Mobility Engineering Technology