| Zhongtong LCK6126EVG (N12) | |
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| Manufacturer | Zhongtong Bus Holding Co., Ltd. |
| Bodywork | NA (integral) |
| Years in operation | 2024 – |
| Operators | SBS Transit |
| Technical Data | |
| Length | 11.99 m |
| Motor | Dana–Prestolite TM4 SUMO MD |
| Battery | CATL LFP (422.89 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.
Zhongtong is supplying 120 units of Zhongtong N12 buses to the Land Transport Authority (LTA) under Contract PT601B, with service entry expected in December 2024.
Other Zhongtong N12 buses in Singapore include:
- Private Bus Operator-owned units (2- and 3-door variants)
- LTA trial bus (SG4010H); later sold to Tong Tar Transport
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.
Zhongtong touts extensive optimizations over its previous generations of buses, focusing on reducing energy consumption and cost of ownership. Lithium iron phosphate traction batteries are supplied by CATL. Buses are constructed with a durable steel unibody structure, earning it a 5-star safety rating by C-SCAP.
LTA Production Batch
In November 2023, local automotive dealer Cycle & Carriage Automotive Pte. Ltd. (in partnership with Zhongtong Bus) was awarded an LTA contract to supply 120 single-deck electric buses for S$58.3 million. This formed part of a larger order of 360 electric buses under Contract PT601, which was also awarded to BYD.
Electric bus chargers were also installed at Sengkang West, East Coast and Gali Batu Bus Depots to support the deployment of these buses.
Following the tender award, Shandong Heavy Industry Group (SHIG)—which owns Zhongtong Bus—and Cycle & Carriage Group signed a strategic cooperation agreement on 25 January 2024, marking the firm order for 120 Zhongtong electric buses, and committing to deepen strategic cooperation in the commercial vehicles, machinery and logistics segments.
Delivery & Handover Ceremony
The first batch of buses were sighted in Singapore sometime in September 2024, and was thereafter spotted inside the Cycle & Carriage’s premises at Pandan Gardens.
These buses also made an appearance at a Handover Ceremony held on 11 October 2024, in tandem with the global launch of the N12D electric double-deck bus.
During a launch ceremony held by LTA at Sengkang West Bus Depot on 23 October 2024, one of the unregistered Zhongtong N12 buses was fitted with the registration plate SG3401U, indicating a likely registration range from SG3401U–SG3520J for the 120 buses.
In an article on The Straits Times in October 2024, it was mentioned that Cycle & Carriage will deliver three Zhongtong N12 electric buses by the end of 2024.
SITCE 2024
One unit was exhibited at the LTA-UITP Singapore International Transport Congress & Exhibition (SITCE) in November 2024.
Registration
Registration commenced on 16 December 2024, with the first 2 units (SG3401U & SG3402S) leased to SBS Transit.
Specifications
| Zhongtong LCK6126EVG (N12) (LTA Production Batch) | |
| Dimensions |
Length × Width × Height: 11990 mm × 2550 mm × 3200 mm |
| Axle |
Front Axle: ZF RL82A Rear Axle: ZF AV133 |
| Tyres |
275/70 R22.5 |
| Electric Motor |
Dana–Prestolite TM4 |
| Battery |
CATL Lithium iron phosphate battery (Capacity 422.89 kWh) Charged via 2x DC plug-in chargers (CCS Type 2 connector) |
| Bodywork |
Zhongtong integral bodywork. Full low-floor configuration |
| EDS | Luminator ULTIMA Electronic Display Sign (EDS) Orange LED Matrix design. Luminator Basic driver controller. |
| PIDS | Luminator SMART Passenger Information Display System (PIDS) Interior-facing LCD screen and exterior-facing LCD screen + LED Text Display |
| Air-con |
Spheros REVO-E Global |
| Driver Assistance | TNT Surveillance T-Guard – Forward collision warning system & lane departure warning (T-FA Front Alert Camera) – Side collision warning system (T-SA Side Alert Cameras) – Anti-Fatigue system (T-DA Driver Alert Camera) – Surround view camera system (T-A.I. 360°) |
| Passenger Capacity | 28 Seated + (TBC) Standing = (TBC) Passengers Not including 2 foldable seats, 2 wheelchair bays |
| Other Specifications | • Ster 8MI seats • SMC door systems • Automatic wheelchair ramp • TNTS Camera mirror system • Rear emergency exit hatch • VDO Tachograph |
Interior
Driver Cabin
PIDS & USB Ports
See Also:
References:
- 8年省10万！中通客车新N系市场火热的背后——价值篇 (zhongtong.com)
- LTA | More Electric Buses to be Deployed from December 2024 [Accessed 25 Nov 2023]
- 120 new energy Zhongtong buses will serve Singapore’s public transport Market – PR Newswire [Accessed 26 Jan 2024]
- 狮城头条：中通新能源客车交付仪式暨N12D双层电动巴士全球首发 – Weibo [Accessed 12 Oct 2024]
- Handover Ceremony of Zhongtong Green Energy Bus and Global premiere of Double Deck Bus in Singapore | China Vehicle [Accessed 12 Oct 2024]
- Delivery of Zhongtong Electric Buses in Singapore and Global Debut of N12D Double-Decker | Zhongtong Bus [Accessed 15 Oct 2024]
- New Electric Bus Features for Safer and Inclusive Journeys – Land Transport Authority [Accessed 23 Oct 2024]
- Another 10 electric public buses to ply Singapore roads from December – The Straits Times [Accessed 23 Oct 2024]
Back to Bus Models
I have a gut feeling, it may be equally distributed across the three depots (Sengkang West, East Coast, Gali Batu), since the number is 120 initially, 360 ultimately. This means wherever possible, it may be equally distributed geographically across Singapore. 120 divided by 3 is 40.
One bus package around 500. So, 40 is just 8%. Ultimately, when all 360 are delivered, per depot (if remain at just those three) around 120, it will be 24%.
Potentially 2/3 of the single decker bus fleet at the 3 participating depots, if the depot composition remain the same.
This will be a large endeavor, now to think about it. Total 4 major single decker diesel bus models: Scania K230UB, MAN A22, Mercedes Benz Citaro, Mercedes Benz OC500LE.
Although already have some electric buses before this 360 order, still a long way to go. Will easily take about 10 years to order finish this first batch of electric single decker buses, to replace all the existing diesel single decker buses.
The buses might registered as SG3341J to SG3460Z.
True, as BYD B12s will be registered from SG3101K to SG3340L
Update: with as the option was exercised for 60 additional BYD B12s, here are the registration numbers:
The BYD B12s will be registered from SG3101K to SG3400Y.
The Zhongtong N12s will be registered from SG3401U to SG3520J.
To curious bus enthusiasts sighting this bus out in the open: This is NOT SG4010H.
Differences:
No mirrors
Mirror camera
One more difference, the newer zhongtong and B12 has a escape hatch on the back like the BZL