Launch & Delivery: Unveiling the Next-Generation of Zhongtong H-Series Natural Gas Buses

Recently, the ZHONGTONG H12 natural gas bus—equipped with the industry's next-generation Golden Powertrain—was officially delivered to customers and fully deployed for premium tourism and intercity passenger transport services, empowering operators with enhanced efficiency.

As ZHONGTONG's latest-generation natural gas bus, the H12 rapidly secured its first batch of orders, underscoring robust product competitiveness. At the heart of this success lies the next-generation Golden Powertrain. But what exactly is this powertrain, and how does it address customers' core demands for superior power, reduced fuel consumption, and enhanced reliability? Let's explore.

Collaborative Innovation & High Synergy: Building Competitive Strength Through Group-Wide Integration

A defining feature of the new ZHONGTONG H-Series is its next-generation Golden Powertrain. Leveraging the integrated industrial chain synergies of Shandong Heavy Industry Group, ZHONGTONG Bus has partnered with leading component manufacturers including WEICHAI Power, FAST Gear, and Hande Axle to achieve synchronized development, calibration, and validation.

Unlike traditional approaches that simply combine vehicles with power components, ZHONGTONG Bus has coordinated upstream and downstream supply chain resources from the earliest stages of product development. Based on specific operational scenarios such as tourism and intercity transport, the company has conducted comprehensive matching and dedicated optimization of engines, transmissions, and axles—creating an integrated technical solution spanning from core components to complete vehicle systems.

Through efficient internal collaboration and resource sharing within the group, R&D cycles have been effectively shortened while calibration accuracy has been enhanced, achieving comprehensive breakthroughs in power performance, fuel economy, and reliability. This truly delivers stronger power, lower energy consumption, and superior reliability—marking a pivotal step for ZHONGTONG Bus in strengthening product competitiveness and driving industry-wide technological advancement.

Proven Reliability & Energy Efficiency: Supply Chain Integration Creates Core Technical Advantages

This collaborative innovation model of "complete vehicle + core component enterprises" not only enhances overall powertrain performance but also enables ZHONGTONG Bus to establish distinct competitive differentiation in the natural gas bus sector.

Powered by the next-generation Golden Powertrain, the ZHONGTONG H12N features the WEICHAI WP10.5HNG390E62 engine. Employing a dual-structure reliability design, it delivers 14.6% more power than comparable industry products. It is also equipped with the industry's largest wound-type gas cylinder, enabling a single-refueling range exceeding 1,600 km—establishing it as a benchmark model for long-distance tourist and charter services.

Both the H11N and H9N models feature the next-generation WEICHAI WP8NG300E61 engine, incorporating advanced technologies including high-strength engine block construction, uniform thermal stress design, solution heat-treated valves, and intelligent knock control—delivering high safety standards and low failure rates.

All three models are paired with specialized FAST transmissions and Hande maintenance-free axles, achieving optimal balance between power output and transmission efficiency. Through supply chain resource integration, technological sharing, and complementary advantages, ZHONGTONG has not only reduced R&D and production costs but also strengthened market recognition. The company has gradually built unique technical competitive advantages while continuously solidifying its leading position in the natural gas tourist coach segment.

Cost Reduction & Operational Efficiency: Driving High-Quality Industry Development

Under China's "Dual Carbon" goals (carbon peaking and carbon neutrality), promoting natural gas bus adoption has emerged as a viable pathway for clean transformation in the commercial vehicle industry, particularly in gas-rich regions.

Data indicates that ZHONGTONG H-Series natural gas buses equipped with the next-generation Golden Powertrain offer a powertrain B10 lifespan of 1.8 million kilometers and an extended oil change interval of 100,000 kilometers—significantly improving vehicle uptime. Taking the H12N as an example, based on an annual operating distance of 100,000 kilometers, operators can save up to RMB 50,000 in annual operating costs—precisely addressing the tourism passenger transport industry's core demands for "efficient operations, cost reduction, and efficiency gains."

The next-generation Golden Powertrain represents far more than a simple technological upgrade or product iteration. It reflects ZHONGTONG Bus's precise understanding of market demands and deep integration of supply chain resources. It not only enhances product reliability and economy but also fulfills corporate social responsibility while actively supporting China's "Dual Carbon" objectives.