Shanghai Volkswagen Santana Vista
In Nanning, the capital city of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in southern China, the state owned taxi company — Nanning Public Transport Corporation — will add 300 bi-fuel compressed natural gas (CNG) taxis to its fleet. The intent is both to improve public transportation and reduce carbon emissions. The vehicle selected is a Shanghai Volkswagen Santana Vista, a popular model for taxi operators.
The car has a CNG storage capacity of 14 m3 and a gasoline tank of 60 liters. It can run 130-140 km on CNG before switching to gasoline. Under favourable conditions, the operator can save up to 30% on fuel costs.
To support the refuelling requirements of the new taxis, a third CNG filing station will be opened in the city. Nanning is awaiting the completion of the East Gas Pipeline Project, which will natural gas to a broader area of the city by year-end, at which time several more CNG stations are expected to be built.
The taxis are due to be on the streets sometime in July. Another 300 bi-fuel taxis have been approved for future implementation.
(This article primarily compiled using information from the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region People’s Government portal)
