In the period of 10th-16th July 2005, national PMO organized a delegation for Beijing project FCB pre-acceptance in Germany. The delegation consisted of national PMO, CICETE, Beijing Public Transit Co., Tsinghua University and China Automotive Technology & Research Center officers and experts.

Pre-acceptance summary
      The delegation visited Evobus factory on 11th July 2005. According to the factory engineers’ introduction, Beijing project 3 FCBs had been improved in technology regarding the problems explored in CUTE implementation. For instance, max power of FC engine provided by Ballard was 125KW in the contract. However, Beijing FCB’s engine max power reached at 156KW in this test. Thus it estimated that Beijing FCBs will show better performance than previous FCBs in CUTE project. The delegation carried out various types of test, including whole bus and main accessories, partly vehicle performance on-site test, 50km driving complex performance test. The three FCBs were individually carried out for different tests. According to on-site test results, three FCBs met the contract requirements. During the 50KM driving complex performance test, max speed was 70km/h and accumulated log was 55km. The delegation focused on testing the vehicle mobility, breakability and drive stability. The results were satisfied.

      The pre-acceptance document was signed by delegation after test. The three FCBs will be on broad on 27th July in Germany and delivered in Tianjin harbor in mid September. Beijing project spare parts list, amount and price were also negotiated by CICETE representative and DC. As a result, most spar parts will be delivered in Tianjin harbor with buses together.

Stuttgart Bus Company introduction

      The delegation visited Stuttgart Bus Company on 14th July 2005 to learn their management and experiences in FCB demonstrational operation

      There were roughly 590,000 residents in Stuttgart urban area. As a member of CUTE project, Stuttgart began the FCB demonstration in November 2003. A project team organized by project managers, drivers, maintainers and engineer total 20 people, was set up and took responsibility for the project implementation. In Stuttgart, FCBs were arranged to run in different route instead of regular route. FCBs worked 5 days per week. The operational method was to add a FCB into the between two regular buses. Thus, this method could provide convenience for passengers and avoided the trouble caused by FCB problems. Until November 2004, Stuttgart 3 FCBs totally accumulated log 55,000km and 4,100 hours. Additionally, hydrogen consumption was 11 tones, average H2 consumption 20kg/100km. Stuttgart hydrogen refueling station produced hydrogen on site using natural gas and hydrogen delivered to site additionally. Stuttgart FCB project highlighted the education and domination. The project team accepted about 1,700 students from 12 schools and 1，400 visitors. In additional, they held 52 science and education exhibitions.

      Some valuable experiences were learned through this pre-acceptance. Firstly, staff training especially drivers training is significant, which relate to driving security and improve the driver’s capacity to solve emergences. Secondly, hydrogen produced using natural gas on site still have some problems that effect the bus operation on some extent. Thus hydrogen delivered to site can be considered as necessary thing for bus implementation. Thirdly, regarding Beijing geographical and transport condition, one stable route for FCB demonstration is realistic. Adding especial education route for students is considerable as well. Beijing project issues are on preparation following the schedule for final accepting FCBs and starting the demonstration in Beijing on time.