Recently, a project by Guangzhou Public Transport Group (GPTG), titled "Public Transport Electrification and Battery Second-Life Utilization System," was selected as one of the first 10 demonstration projects under the "Cities Countdown to 2030" initiative launched by United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG).
The project is also featured in the Driving Global Transformation through Local Ambition—The First Cities Countdown to 2030 Missions Portfolio. On June 26 (local time), GPTG presented the project at the General Assembly of the World Association of the Major Metropolises (Metropolis) in Tangier, Morocco, sharing Guangzhou's experience in developing green and smart urban transport.
Jointly launched by UCLG and UN-Habitat, the "Cities Countdown to 2030" initiative showcases high-impact, replicable urban transformation projects that support the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Since launching its public transport electrification program in 2017, Guangzhou has fully electrified its bus and taxi fleets. The city now operates more than 12,000 electric buses, nearly 10,000 electric taxis, eight new-energy sightseeing vessels, and over 12,000 charging piles.
To promote the circular use of retired batteries, GPTG has developed an integrated "electric mobility + energy system" featuring a closed-loop battery recycling model. The project includes rooftop solar installations at bus depots, second-life battery energy storage systems, and China's first pilot "Battery Hospital," where standardized battery testing has helped extend battery service life from 8 to 12 years.
The initiative has reduced energy consumption in the city's public transport sector by more than 50% and cut carbon dioxide emissions by nearly one million metric tons. It also delivers measurable progress in achieving SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
GPTG said the project's selection among the initiative's first demonstration projects and its presentation at the Metropolis General Assembly will help share Guangzhou's experience with cities worldwide and contribute practical solutions for sustainable urban development.
Reporter: Zheng Huizi
Photo: GPTG
