The United Kingdom** reported a news that was more morale-boosting and encouraging for the Chinese. A British transport company claims that a £400 million plan to encourage the rollout of electric buses is actually subsidizing Chinese companies to the detriment of British companies. Under the so-called Zebra Initiative, local authorities and bus operators can apply for grants to support the purchase of zero-emission buses. This is part of the 'Bus Back for Better' programme, which was launched during the pandemic and aims to finance the purchase of 4,000 buses, which represent about a tenth of the total number of buses in the UK. But some companies have complained that the tender rules preclude projects to convert existing gasoline or diesel buses into electric buses, while helping to procure vehicles that rely on Chinese manufacturers.
Companies such as Sheffield-based Magtec, Scarborough-based Kleanbus and Norfolk-based Equipmake argue that retrofitting existing diesel buses – a method known as "repowering" – is a more environmentally friendly option than buying a new one. But they say the appropriation program currently encourages the purchase of new buses instead of re-energizing them, which effectively distorts the market. According to Magtec's analysis of official data, around 70% of electric buses currently purchased in the UK are Chinese-made or contain Chinese-made components such as batteries. For example, the most common bus model currently registered in the UK is the Enviro Bus, which is produced by Shenzhen-based BYD. But Magtec and others say operators and local authorities should also be allowed to receive grant funding for re-powering. In Scotland, a zebra-like scheme already allows for this. Doing so, they argue, would also speed up the transition to electric buses as a whole, increasing the number of buses that come into service each year.
Jenkins, Founder and Director of Magtec, said: "At the current rate, it will take more than 30 years to replace diesel fleets with zero-emission buses. "Will taxpayer money continue to be used to buy new zero-emission buses, mainly from China, or will a smarter approach be taken? "We urge the two main parties to support the re-motorisation of buses to help reduce harmful emissions and help develop and grow UK manufacturing. Last year, Teague, the owner of Kleanbus, also warned that the UK was "waiting when action is needed". It said it "does not admit" to the claim that the Zebra program subsidizes Chinese manufacturers. A spokesperson added: "More than 80% of the buses running in our towns and cities are produced in the UK, and UK manufacturers account for more than half of the buses ordered through our zero-emission bus programme, which has helped to create jobs across the country while kick-starting a new generation of cleaner bus manufacturing." ”