Fearless of Extreme Cold, E-Buses Keep Cities Moving

Photo taken on Aug. 18, 2025 shows a Yutong dual-source trolleybus driving past a bus station themed on the Green Mobility Week in Almaty, Kazakhstan. (Photo by Xinhua)

The adoption of electric buses in Central Asia is challenged by the region's diverse terrain and harsh climate, which demand both environmental performance and operational reliability. In January 2024, Chinese corporation Yutong Bus Co., Ltd. (Yutong Bus) had one of their electric vehicles feature in extreme cold weather tests conducted in Astana, achieving a range of 374 kilometers at -25℃ and demonstrating excellent performance.

In 2021, the CKD (Completely Knocked Down) bus manufacturing plant jointly established by Yutong Bus and Kazakhstan's Kazakh Technology Company officially began operations in Saran, Karaganda Region, Kazakhstan. The plant currently has an annual production capacity of 1,800 buses and 200 units of construction equipment, with future plans to export to other Central Asian countries. The project also includes the installation of charging infrastructure and the provision of related operation-and-maintenance services, effectively supporting the development of a sustainable green public transport system in the region.

Saran Mayor Darin Burkeyev stated that, thanks to this cooperation project, Saran — once a mining city — is steadily advancing towards economic diversification. The introduction of advanced green technologies has strengthened the region's capacity for self-driven development.

Photo taken on Aug. 18, 2025 shows a local resident winning a bus card provided by Yutong Bus by participating in a green knowledge quiz during the Green Mobility Week in Almaty, Kazakhstan. (Photo by Xinhua)

Key Challenges

Kazakhstan's green transition has created an increasingly urgent need for low-carbon public transport, requiring the introduction of advanced technologies and expertise to build a comprehensive localized system for green bus manufacturing, operation, and management. In addition, the country's extreme climate and complex terrain place high demands on the adaptability of new energy bus technologies and products.

Solution Pathways

Dedicated adaptation technologies were developed for local extreme temperatures as low as -40°C. Vehicles have been equipped with battery thermal management systems, independent liquid heating systems, and insulated body designs to ensure stable operation. At the same time, an operation-and-maintenance team has been stationed in Kazakhstan to establish a professional service network including service stations and spare-parts warehouses. Professional training programs have also been provided to the CKD plant and end-users, helping build an independent and sustainable green public transport industrial ecosystem.

Practical Benefits for Local Communities

In 2019, 100 pure electric buses were deployed in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, reducing CO2 by approximately 11,000 tonnes annually and providing convenient green transportation for more than 2 million people. At present, more than 330 electric buses are operating in Kazakhstan, with over 130 of them assembled locally at the CKD plant. Through technological cooperation and project localization, the initiative has effectively promoted local industrial upgrading and talent cultivation, driving the green transformation of resource-based cities.

Photo taken on Aug. 16, 2025 shows children drawing on a board during the Green Mobility Week environmental protection campaign in Almaty, Kazakhstan. (Photo by Xinhua)