Chinese Sunwin Bus debuts Australian market strategy at Australasia Bus & Coach Expo 2026 (showcasing iEV12 and B13E)

Chinese manufacturer (part of SAIC group) Sunwin Bus showcased two battery-electric bus products developed for Australia at the Australasia Bus & Coach Expo 2026 in Sydney. At the same expo, also Wrightbus announced plans for the local market.

Sunwin Bus Corporation presented its iEV12 battery-electric city bus and B13E battery-electric bus chassis at the Australasia Bus & Coach Expo 2026 under the theme “Green Means More”.

Battery-electric platform tailored for Australian operations

The iEV12 and B13E were developed specifically for Australian operating conditions, including right-hand-drive configuration, long-distance operation, coastal environments and high-temperature conditions, Sunwin says.

Built on Sunwin’s latest vehicle platform, both models feature a fully low-floor, barrier-free layout and Cell-to-Pack (CTP) battery technology. The powertrain combines a new-generation electric drive motor with the company’s silicon carbide (SiC) auxiliary control technology, while an integrated thermal management system is designed for operation during Australia’s hot summers. Additional anti-corrosion protection has been adopted for coastal applications.

The B13E battery-electric chassis supports multiple wheelbase configurations together with different front and rear overhang options, allowing bodybuilders to adapt the platform to a range of operational requirements.

According to Australian trade publication Australasian Bus & Coach, the chassis displayed in Sydney is a 12-metre low-floor platform available with two or three passenger doors. The publication also reports that the vehicle features a corrosion-resistant aluminium body, a low centre of gravity, wheelchair accessibility, a spacious driver’s area and high-efficiency electric motors.

Sunwin Bus outlines Australian market ambitions

In his keynote address, Sunwin Bus General Manager Ma Zhenggang said Australia is continuing the transition of its public transport sector towards zero-emission buses, with local governments advancing fleet electrification and charging infrastructure deployment.

According to the company, Australia represents a long-term strategic market. Sunwin Bus said it plans to strengthen its understanding of local technical standards and regulatory requirements while developing localized supply chains and lifecycle service capabilities.

In brief

• Which vehicles did Sunwin Bus exhibit? The company displayed the iEV12 battery-electric city bus and the B13E battery-electric bus chassis.
• How were the vehicles adapted for Australia? They were developed for right-hand-drive operation, long-distance service, coastal environments and high-temperature conditions.
• What technologies do the vehicles feature? The platform includes CTP battery technology, SiC auxiliary control technology and an integrated thermal management system.

Ma Zhenggang, General Manager of Sunwin Bus, said: “As the only dedicated manufacturer of medium- and large-sized new energy buses under SAIC Motor, Sunwin Bus regards this exhibition in Sydney as the starting point for providing advanced products and services to support Australia’s transition toward zero-emission public transportation. At the same time, we look forward to gaining a deeper understanding of local technical standards, regulatory requirements and the industry ecosystem. We will actively respond to the market’s expectations for localization and supply chains while building local service capabilities covering the entire product lifecycle. We remain committed to a long-term strategy supported by continuous product iteration.”