China to promote hybrid buses nationwide

BEIJING -- The government will promote the use of hybrid public buses in all the country's cities, extending their promotion beyond the current 25 cities, the Ministry of Finance announced Monday.

The central government hopes to bring 3,000 to 5,000 buses to the cities by subsidizing purchases of the vehicles, a statement on the ministry's website said.

Subsidies will range from 50,000 to 420,000 yuan ($7,911 to $66,454) depending on the efficiency of the buses and the type of battery they use, the statement said.

The statement said the buses must have a fuel efficiency of at least 10 percent, adding that bus manufacturers will need to offer a minimum three-year warranty for key components, including batteries and motors.

The statement said bus manufacturers will have go through a competitive bidding process to provide their buses in non-trial cities.