The bus - During the Games, battery-powered tourist vehicles will be around to fulfil the transportation needs of media representatives and Olympic fans from around the world who wish to visit Olympic highlights in or around the heart of the Games in Beijing.

The Beijing Institute of Technology initiated the design and research for the Olympic electric-powered vehicles, which comfortably seat 50 in their roomy interiors.

Advanced lithium manganese batteries are used to run these vehicles. Each charge of the environmentally-friendly power source (they have a longer life span and higher energy efficiency, compared to traditional lithium ion batteries) can allow the vehicle to travel 130 kilometres, while the air conditioner is on. They are noiseless and boast zero emissions.

The batteries are easily replaced and quickly charged; during the Games, each bus is scheduled to undergo battery changes two to three times a day, fulfilling the needs of the 24-hour transportation network that will be provided in the heart of the Olympic district.

The buses can travel at speeds of up to 80 kilometres an hour, going 0 to 50 in 24 seconds.

These Olympic vehicles will be monitored via a wireless network by experts, so that if any emergencies occur, the appropriate authorities can be notified in a timely fashion.

Beijing Jinghua Coach Co., Ltd. is responsible for manufacturing the buses.