Electric midi-buses are slated to be on Dominican roads soon. Chinese company, Tantech Holdings Ltd, announced on Tuesday that it has signed a contract to export the vehicles to the island.
According to a press statement, the export is to be done through the company’s subsidiary, Shangchi Automobile Co., Ltd.
The statement said that the contract is one of the company’s export orders within the few past months and it reflects Tantech’s reputation in the overseas market as well as the trust that its products have attained.
“Expanding into overseas markets such as Dominica not only drives the company’s growth but also contributes to its global transition towards sustainable transportation, aligning with the Company’s vision of creating a cleaner and greener future,” the statement asserted.
CEO of Tantech described the order as a “milestone” for his company.
“This order represents a milestone for our company as we continue to lead the way in the rapidly growing electric vehicle market,” he remarked, according to the press statement.
“It demonstrates the trust and confidence that our partners have placed in our products, technology, and expertise. It opens up more opportunities for our company. Let us continue to push the boundaries of innovation, while ensuring our electric vehicles exceed customer expectations and continue to set new industry standards. Together, we will deliver excellence, establish lasting partnerships, and make a positive impact on the world.”
The press statement did not say how many of the vehicles will be exported to Dominica nor did it reveal whether the contract was signed with a private company or with the government.
Similarly, it did not give a timeline as to when they will arrive on the island. There’s been no announcement by the government of Dominica on the contract. The press statement did give a description of the vehicles.
“Measuring 6 meters long and close to 2 meters wide, the midi-bus has 17 air-conditioned PVC seats and a wide-body design that provides ample space, allowing passengers to have a comfortable and enjoyable ride,” the statement said.
“In addition, this midi-bus is quieter than its internal combustion engine counterpart, an attribute that provides a more peaceful and restful ambiance, making it easier for conversations and relaxation during the journey. In the meantime, this electric vehicle produces zero emissions while driving, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment.”
According to definition.net, a midi-bus is “a single-decker bus, generally smaller than a traditional bus but larger than a minibus.” Tantech describes itself as a clean energy company that has “been a leading high-tech enterprise pioneering and specializing in the manufacture, research, and development of products based on bamboo charcoals with a well-established domestic and international sales and distribution network.”
It expanded into the clean vehicle industry in 2017 when it acquired a 70% share of Shangchi Automobile.
“In November 2020, Tantech established two additional subsidiaries, Lishui Smart New Energy Automobile Co., Ltd. and Zhejiang Shangchi New Energy Automobile Co., Ltd., to produce and market electric vehicles, including automatic high-speed street sweepers and others. The Company’s subsidiary, First International Commercial Factoring (Shenzhen) Co., LTD, is engaged in commercial factoring for businesses in and related to its supply chain. Tantech has recently expanded its operation into international markets,” the press statement said.
