As of this August, 30 electric hybrid buses will be put into regular operation on some major routes, which go through the heart of central Chongqing.

The hybrid electric buses are fitted with an electric motor that is powered by lithium batteries. It also has a small diesel engine. The battery pack is quick-charged at both ends of the route. Charging takes about 15 minutes.

With fully charged batteries the buses can run 100 kilometres or so, using electricity, driving quietly and with no exhaust emissions.

Compared with conventional diesel buses, the electric hybrids have 75% lower fuel consumption and a similar reduction in CO2 emissions.

Climate impact is reduced even more as the buses will run on biodiesel. With electricity consumption included, the total energy savings are about 60%.