Publication date: 19-December-2003 
Source: Asia Pulse

It is hoped the environment-friendly vehicles will eventually replace conventionally fueled buses. 
    
Chen Jiachang, head of the US$32 million project, said Chinese and overseas experts will analyze data collected from the buses to test the technological feasibility of the buses. 

China plans to eventually produce the bus in great numbers and use them across the country to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emission. 

Chen said the United States, Japan, the European Union and China have developed buses powered by hydrogen fuel, but they are all at trial stage. 

The official said the buses, unlike those that use gas as fuel, will not pollute the air as they would discharge only water and heat. 

The Chinese government, the Global Environment Facility and the United Nations Development Program have committed US$32.36 million in funding support for the trial operation program, said Chen. 

China launched a similar research and development program a decade ago, and an engine system with a capacity of 50 kilowatts has been developed.