Singapore, 4 November – Singapore Urban Mobility Week (SUMW) 2026 opened at the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre. Zhongtong Bus showcased three flagship models: the high-capacity N12D double-decker battery-electric bus, the N8 autonomous driving bus and the L8 range-extender coach. Through electrification, intelligence and connectivity, the brand demonstrated the robust technological prowess of China's advanced manufacturing.
Built on Green Credentials: Engineering Excellence Positions Zhongtong as an Asia-Pacific Mobility Benchmark
The global transport sector is undergoing rapid, profound shifts toward electrification, intelligence and connectivity. Green, smart buses have emerged as a standout calling card for Chinese manufacturing exports. Backed by reliable product quality and continuous technological upgrades, Chinese bus makers are strengthening their influence across international markets.
Zhongtong Bus has maintained a long-standing presence in Singapore. From the launch of its first new-energy buses locally to serial deliveries of electric double-deckers, the company has built a solid reputation through dependable vehicle performance and a comprehensive local service network. It has become a key partner supporting Singapore's public bus electrification roadmap.
The N12D high-capacity electric double-decker featured at the show is a benchmark model tailor-made for Singapore, unveiled here following field validation under local operating conditions. Designed for Singapore's dense urban population, peak passenger surges and compact road network, it adopts a three-door, two-stair low-floor layout with one-step entry and wide aisles. With a maximum passenger capacity of 122, it delivers nearly double the carrying capacity of a standard single-decker bus. It enables efficient passenger dispersal during rush hours and fully complies with local accessibility standards.
Equipped with a large-capacity battery pack, the bus achieves over 400 km of range on a single charge and supports dual-gun DC fast charging to sustain intensive daily operations. Powered by Zhongtong's sixth-generation vehicle energy management system, it further cuts operational energy consumption.
For safety, the vehicle comes standard with digital mirrors, 360-degree surround vision, Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW), alongside other ADAS features. It meets Singapore's stringent vehicle safety regulations and serves as an ideal zero-carbon upgrade solution for urban trunk routes.
Smart Mobility & Diversified Solutions to Accelerate Green Transport Transition
Chinese bus manufacturers are advancing their global competitiveness beyond product exports toward technology exports, evolving from standalone electric models to full-scenario smart mobility solutions. Zhongtong has invested for years in diversified energy pathways and autonomous driving technology, delivering integrated solutions to advance green and smart public transport worldwide.
Alongside the double-decker, the L8 range-extender coach and N8 autonomous bus drew strong visitor interest, balancing proven commercial technology with forward-looking innovation.
Engineered for group travel needs across Singapore's inter-island commutes, suburban study tours, shuttle transfers at scenic spots and corporate staff transport, the L8 range-extender coach operates primarily on electric power with range-extension backup. It suits a wide spectrum of group travel use cases and offers a fresh low-carbon mobility option for mid-to-short journeys in Singapore and surrounding regions.
Guided by Singapore's Land Transport Master Plan 2040, the country has opened autonomous vehicle sandbox trials to facilitate deployment in campuses, community feeder routes and other low-speed environments, creating an ideal testbed for emerging mobility technologies. The N8 autonomous bus on display represents Zhongtong's latest push to deploy autonomous technology in niche local scenarios.
Built for last-mile feeder services in residential estates and narrow older urban precincts, the compact vehicle features a tight turning radius for easy navigation along narrow streets. Its low-entry design, kneeling function and accessibility ramp prioritise comfort for elderly passengers and those with reduced mobility.
Capable of Level 4 autonomous operation, the bus leverages multi-sensor fusion and high-precision positioning. It can autonomously recognise traffic signals and obstacles and execute precise stopping at designated bus stops. An on-board screen displays real-time vehicle location, stop information and high-definition maps. Zhongtong's autonomous vehicles have completed demonstration operations across multiple locations in China, creating replicable operational references for smart mobility deployment in Singapore.
The industry's transformation continues to gather momentum. Electrification forms the foundation, intelligence delivers enhanced capabilities and connectivity ties systems together — painting a clear vision for the future of public transport. Moving forward, Zhongtong Bus will keep building on technological innovation, embracing high-end, smart and sustainable manufacturing to steer global public transport toward a greener, smarter future.
