A fleet of 150 hydrogen fuel cell-powered buses was put into service in Weifang, Shandong province on June 1, as part of the city's efforts to replace old economic drivers with new ones.

Another 150 hydrogen buses are put into operation in Weifang, Shandong province on June 1. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The hydrogen fuel cell-powered buses were produced by Zhongtong Bus, one of China's leading new energy bus makers, and are installed with Weichai's newly developed energy powertrain systems. The vehicle can run 600 kilometers on a single charge, according to local officials.

The company said more facilities, such as charging stations, will be built to serve more new energy vehicles in Weifang.

A delivery ceremony is held on June 1 in Weifang, Shandong province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Weichai, which has mass production capacity of hydrogen fuel cells and related components, has worked with bus manufacturers to launch seven bus routes in many cities such as Jinan, Liaocheng and Jining.

Supported by Weichai, Shandong has built six hydrogen refueling stations with more than 200 hydrogen fuel cell-powered buses in operation.

Weichai is a leading heavy-duty engine manufacturing giant in Shandong province. Tan Xuguang, chairman of Weichai Group, said that the company aims to build a complete new energy industrial chain in Shandong and support the province’s industrial upgrading and transformation.

Tan Xuguang, chairman of Weichai Group, delivers a speech at the ceremony. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles in Weifang [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]