China unveils fuel cell car prototype

China has invested more than $100 million on an ambitious research and development project on fuel cell and hybrid cars and buses, producing several prototypes, the state media reported on Wednesday.

China spent 880 million yuan ($106.4 million) into a state research and development project on fuel cell and hybrid cars, producing several prototypes, vice-director of the ministry of science and technology Xu Jing said.

China's first fuel cell car ran more than 4,000 kilometres and the first fuel cell bus was tested for 8,000 kilometres, president of Tongji University in Shanghai and coordinator of research and development plan, Wan Gang said.

The first hybrid bus, which was tested in commuter lines in Wuhan in Hubei Province, uses 30 per cent less gas than a regular bus, Wan was quoted by Xinhua news agency.

The electricity-powered bus fleets were currently experimenting in Beijing, Wuhan, Tianjin and Weihai. While attempting to produce cars, Wan said, the state project is also aimed to set up national technical standards for concerned auto products.

Six tryout centres have already been established in Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai and Dalian. The electric car could reach the highest speed of 120 kilometres every hour and use 70 kwh in every 100 kilometres, he said.

The state project also stimulated over 200 corporate and individual investors to pour funds in developing the energy-saving and environment-friendly products.