Name: Christmas Eve 2024 – Public Transport Operating Hours
Start: 2024-12-24T08:00:00+08:00
End: 2024-12-25T02:30:00+08:00
Location: Singapore

Zhongtong LCK6126EVG (N12)
Zhongtong N12 on NTU Campus Rider
Manufacturer	Zhongtong Bus Holding Co., Ltd.
Bodywork	NA (integral)
Years in operation	2022—Present
Operators (Private)	ComfortDelGro Bus Tong Tar Transport
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.

Local private bus operator ComfortDelGro Bus procured a fleet of Zhongtong N12 buses for use on university shuttle bus routes, configured as full-low-floor battery-electric buses in both two-door and three-door specifications. Buses entered service in September 2022.

In April 2023, one unit of the Zhongtong LCK6126EVG bus (3-door; 28-seat configuration) commenced operations with Tong Tar Transport. Tong Tar Transport later bought an additional 12 units for deployment to the Mandai Khatib Shuttle.

This article only covers Zhongtong N12 buses operated by private bus operators in Singapore. Other versions include:

Trial bus supplied to the Land Transport Authority in 2023; later sold to Tong Tar Transport – Zhongtong LCK6126EVG (LTA Trial Bus).
Production batch buses supplied to the Land Transport Authority in 2024 under Contract PT601B – Zhongtong LCK6126EVG (LTA Production Batch).

See also: 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 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 operations

ComfortDelGro Bus’s Zhongtong N12 buses are primarily used for its contracted shuttle bus operations, serving as campus shuttle buses at NUS and NTU, as well as Sentosa shuttle buses on Sentosa island. These buses are configured with more standing room for primarily short-distance trips.

Tong Tar Transport operations

The sole unit operated by Tong Tar Transport is deployed on Bus Service RWS8, a shuttle service connecting Resorts World Sentosa with HarbourFront. The seating configuration used is similar to the Land Transport Authority trial bus (SG4010H).

The bus was later redeployed in late March 2024 to the Mandai Khatib Shuttle.

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 commenced in late 2022, ComfortDelGro Bus would gradually introduce electric buses to the shuttle bus routes. While a rollout timeline was not provided, all buses serving both campuses would eventually be replaced with electric ones, which is about 50 buses. Zhongtong LCK6126EVG buses formed the majority of this bulk order, with smaller numbers of BYD B12 buses (10 units) also procured.

According to requirements announced by both universities, buses had to 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 would offer access to real-time information on bus location along the route, arrival time, and passenger occupancy rate.

ComfortDelGro Bus: 2-Door Variant

In August 2022, 5 of these Zhongtong LCK6126EVG buses were spotted in Singapore pending registration. These were configured as low-floor buses with 2 passenger doors. 3 units bore the NUS’ livery of orange & blue, while the other 2 units for NTU bore a blue livery.

Registration & Rollout (2-Door Variant)

Registration of these buses commenced on 21 September 2022.

PD496S, PD622U & PD728Z
(Registered on 21 Sep 2022; with NUS Livery)
PD583Z & PD698B
(Registered on 19 Oct 2022; with NTU Livery)

These buses entered service on NUS’ Internal Shuttle Bus network on 26 September 2022, with PD496S and PD622U deployed on Service BTC, and PD728Z deployed on Service D1.

NUS ISB D1 – ComfortDelGro Bus Zhongtong N12 (PD728Z)

NUS ISB BTC – ComfortDelGro Bus Zhongtong N12 (PD622U)

NTU Campus Rider – ComfortDelGro Bus Zhongtong N12 (PD583Z)

NTU Campus Rider – ComfortDelGro Bus Zhongtong N12 (PD698B)

Over at NTU, these electric buses were first spotted in service on 7 November 2022, serving the Campus Rider (Green Loop).

Following the rollout of 3-door BYD B12A03 buses at NUS on 21 November 2022, PD496S & PD622U were withdrawn from the NUS ISB network and transferred to the Sentosa bus service network. Both buses were repainted in full orange livery and began service in Sentosa on 30 November 2022.

Sentosa Bus A – ComfortDelGro Bus Zhongtong N12 (PD496S)

In January 2023, the last remaining 2-door bus at NUS (PD728Z) was repainted to a full white livery and redeployed to the NTU ISB network, marking the end of 2-door Zhongtong operations at NUS.

In December 2023, PD583Z was redeployed to Sentosa from NTU.

ComfortDelGro Bus: 3-Door Variant

3-door variants were first sighted in November 2022 and were fully registered in December 2022 (30 units). They were first deployed on NUS and NTU ISB services on 22 Dec 2022 and 3 Jan 2023 respectively.

PD679G
(Registered on 2 Dec 2022)
PD516T, PD533T, PD539C, PD554H, PD576U, PD581D, PD593U, PD658S, PD696G, PD705P & PD726D
(Registered on 13 Dec 2022)
PD487T, PD760D, PD773S, PD776J, PD788A, PD810T, PD964H, PD992B, PD1029B & PD1049T
(Registered on 21 Dec 2022)
PD771Y, PD778D, PD804L, PD807D, PD1018H & PD1022U
(Registered on 22 Dec 2022)
PD933Y & PD1064Z
(Registered on 23 Dec 2022)

NUS ISB K – ComfortDelGro Bus Zhongtong N12 (PD533T)

NUS ISB A2 – ComfortDelGro Bus Zhongtong N12 (PD705P)

NTU Campus Loop Red – ComfortDelGro Bus Zhongtong N12 (PD1018H)

Several of these buses entered service at NTU in a plain white livery without NTU promotional decals.

Tong Tar Transport (3-door)

Bus RWS8 – Tong Tar Transport Zhongtong N12 (PD839L)

Tong Tar Transport Zhongtong N12 (PD839L)

PD839L
(Registered on 31 Mar 2023)

The bus made first appeared on revenue service in April 2023 on RWS8, which is currently contracted to Tong Tar Transport. The bus is configured with 3 doors and 28 seats, similar to the LTA trial unit.

An additional 12 buses were purchased by Tong Tar Transport and delivered in 2024 for its operation on the Mandai Khatib Shuttle. These buses are wrapped in the Mandai Wildlife Reserve electric bus livery and have been deployed on service since June 2024.

Mandai Khatib Shuttle – Tong Tar Transport Zhongtong LCK6126EVG (N12) (PD2013P)

Mandai Khatib Shuttle – Tong Tar Transport Zhongtong LCK6126EVG (N12) (PD1831B)

PD1740E, PD1767D, PD1838H, PD1892A, PD1986M, PD2013P & PD2032J
(Registered on 3 Jun 2024)
PD1731G
(Registered on 4 Jun 2024)
PD1831B, PD1918K, PD2002X & PD2017D
(Registered on 5 Jun 2024)

Brief Specifications

Zhongtong LCK6126EVG – Specifications* (ComfortDelGro Bus Order / Tong Tar Transport Order)
Motor	Dana–Prestolite TM4 SUMO MD (TZ368XSPE300WH) Permanent magnet synchronous electric motor Nominal power/torque of 145 kW / 1055 Nm Maximum power/torque of 245 kW / 3329 Nm
Battery	CATL Lithium iron phosphate battery (Capacity 350 kWh) Charged via DC plug-in charger (CCS Type 2 connector)
Bodywork	Zhongtong integral bodywork (Steel monocoque structure). Full low-floor configuration
EDS	ComfortDelGro Bus Order & PD839L Kabym Electronic Display Sign Coloured LED Matrix; Mounted on Front, Left side, and RearTong Tar MKS Bus Order TBC
PIDS	ComfortDelGro Bus Order & PD839L Kabym Passenger Information Display System Coloured LED text displays, LCD display screens & interior speakersTong Tar MKS Bus Order Xiamen Magnetic North Technology Passenger Information System
APCS	ComfortDelGro Bus Order & PD839L iris IRMA MATRIX Automatic Passenger Counting SystemTong Tar MKS Bus Order Xiamen Magnetic North Technology Co., Ltd – Automatic Passenger Counting System QC007
ADAS	ComfortDelGro Bus Order & PD839L Advanced Driver Assistance System: – Movon MRV-21 ADAS (forward-facing camera + display unit) – Hikvision 360° Surround View Camera (4x exterior cameras + driver display screen) – Movon MDSM-7 Anti-Fatigue systemTong Tar MKS Bus Order TBC
Terminal	ComfortDelGro Bus Order & PD839L Kabym AL-K80 multifunction terminal • Fleet management & GPS locator functions • Controls EDS, PIDS, and en-route announcements • Driver touchscreen displayTong Tar MKS Bus Order Xiamen Magnetic North Technology Mutli Applications Display Terminal P10
Passenger Capacity (2 Door Variant; CDG Order)	29 Seated + 60 Standing = 89 Passengers 2 Wheelchair Bays
Passenger Capacity (3 Door Variant; CDG Order)	22 Seated + 66 Standing = 88 Passengers 2 Wheelchair Bays
Passenger Capacity (3 Door Variant; PD839L & Tong Tar MKS Order)	28 Seated + 57 Standing = 85 Passengers 2 Wheelchair Bays; 2 Foldable Seats
Other Specifications	• Valeo REVO-E Global air conditioning (some buses) • Sonz LMD-VI-BNDD air conditioning (most buses) • Ster 8MI seats (CDG Bus Orders) / Ster Newcity seats (PD839L) • USB Charging Ports • Aircharge Nylon wireless surface chargers • Stroller restraint system • GreenRoad telematics system • Zhengzhou Autol automatic lubrication system (AK04 controller) • Yangzhou Dongsheng axles (2-door) and ZF axles (3-door)

These buses are built by Zhongtong in Liaocheng, China.

ComfortDelGro Bus Order (For NUS / NTU Deployments)

Interior

ComfortDelGro Bus – Zhongtong N12 – Rear seating area

ComfortDelGro Bus – Zhongtong N12 – Interior (Mid to Front)

The Zhongtong LCK6126EVG is a low-floor single-deck bus, offering step-free access across the entire length of the bus. Buses procured by ComfortDelGro Bus feature both two-door and three-door configurations.

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 (model: Ster 8MI), upholstered in blue.

USB charging ports are provided at each seat and at wheelchair bays, rated at 2.1 A output. Four additional pairs of inductive chargers (model: Aircharge Nylon) are provided between opposing-facing seats, embedded within a black panel. These chargers are compatible with the Qi wireless charging standard and are able to charge most smartphones.

Wheelchair Accommodation

ComfortDelGro Bus – Zhongtong N12 – Wheelchair Bay

ComfortDelGro Bus – Zhongtong N12 – Standee area

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 coloured LCD screens and LED text displays facing inside and outside the bus.

ComfortDelGro Bus – Zhongtong N12 – Interior PIDS

As of launch, the default formatting of the interior screen (used across NUS, NTU and Sentosa) displays bus stops in top-to-bottom order, this being the opposite of LTA-procured public buses, which display bus stops in bottom-to-top order. The left side of the PIDS screen lists bus stops, while the right side is free advertising space mainly used for promotional clips.

The LED text display mounted at the front indicates the bus’ next stop and destination. Both LCD and LED screens also display “Bus Stopping” whenever the stop request button is pressed.

Drivers’ Cab

The driver’s cab features an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) suite, including a 360-degree Surround View monitor and an Anti-Fatigue system. These features have previously been made standard on LTA-procured public buses.

ComfortDelGro Bus Order (3-Door variant)

The 3-door variant retains much of the interior design elements from the earlier 2-door variant. The third door subtracts 7 seats from the bus, for a new seating capacity of just 22 passengers.

ComfortDelGro Bus – Zhongtong N12 – Interior (3rd Door Area)

Prior to entry into service, the knee-level edges beside the last row of seats were lined with foam tape likely to mitigate passenger injury; however, this did not appear to be a permanent solution, as the taps frequently wore down or peeled off after a short time.

The interior sees minor design differences compared to the two-door batch, as covered by this article by The ISB Man:

Interior PIS screen uses untinted glass for improved visibility (previously orange-tinted glass)
Interior partition panels between seating/standing areas are slightly enlarged
Repositioned interior number plates

Tong Tar Transport Bus Order (PD839L)

Interior

The Tong Tar unit features a seating configuration similar to the Land Transport Authority trial bus (SG4010H), with two wheelchair bays opposite the middle door.

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 is fitted on the raised platform opposite the third door, where an additional floor step and stanchion pole help commuters access this pair of seats.

Zhongtong N12 (Tong Tar) Interior – Front to Rear

Zhongtong N12 (Tong Tar) Interior – Mid to Front

Zhongtong N12 (Tong Tar) Interior – Mid to Rear

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 NewCity), and upholstered in sea green.

An extra pair of seats is fitted on the raised platform opposite the third door, where an additional floor step and stanchion pole help commuters access this pair of seats.

Zhongtong N12 (Tong Tar) Interior – Third Door Rear area

Zhongtong N12 (Tong Tar) Interior – Rear Seating

Zhongtong N12 (Tong Tar) Interior – Third Door

The bus features two wheelchair bays, both located opposite the exit door. They each accommodate one passenger-in-wheelchair (PIW).

The front wheelchair bay has a foldable armrest for wheelchair users. Two wall-mounted foldable seats can be used when not occupied by a PIW.

Zhongtong N12 (Tong Tar) – Fare Collection Equipment

Zhongtong N12 (Tong Tar) Interior – Wheelchair Bays

Zhongtong N12 (Tong Tar) Interior – Wheelchair Bay with Foldable Seats

Zhongtong N12 (Tong Tar) Interior – Wheelchair Bay with Foldable Seats [Handlebar deployed]

The Electronic Display Sign (EDS) and Passenger Information Display System (PIDS) suite are supplied by Kabym, and of the same model as ComfortDelGro units. On the exterior, full-coloured EDS units are mounted on the Front, Left side, and Rear. On the interior, only a single roof-mounted LED text display is provided, indicating the bus’ next stop and destination.

The entrance door has a coinbox and card reader for fare collection on Bus Service RWS8. Onboard announcements are also provided.

Tong Tar Transport – 2024 units

A new batch of buses was procured by Tong Tar Transport for the Mandai Khatib Shuttle.

Tong Tar Transport Zhongtong N12 – Interior (Front to Rear)

Tong Tar Transport Zhongtong N12 – Interior (Mid to Rear)

Tong Tar Transport Zhongtong N12 – Interior (Rear to Front)

These buses feature the same interior configuration as before – three passenger doors and two wheelchair bays. A Passenger Information Display System (PIDS) with interior/exterior display screens and audio announcements are also installed.