Foxtron electric buses to begin service in Keelung

鴻華（Foxtron）電動公車將開始在基隆營運

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Keelung City Government will spend NT$500 million (US$16.9 million) for 30 Foxtron Vehicle Technologies Model T electric buses, which are expected to begin service before the third quarter as part of its plan to replace some aging buses, CNA reported.

The city government said that Keelung’s bus system serves more than 50,000 passengers daily. It plans to replace or upgrade the city's 123 buses, charging facilities, and bus stops within three years.

Foxtron Chair Andy Lee (李秉彥) said the company’s electric bus design offers smoother operation and reduced noise. He noted that the buses to be deployed in Keelung will feature enhanced protection against salt damage and corrosion to suit the city’s coastal environment.

Foxtron’s new plant in Kaohsiung’s Qiaotou District is expected to begin operations before the second quarter, with annual production capacity potentially reaching 500 vehicles. The facility will use smart factory systems and digital twin technology to manage production lines, monitor operations in real time, and test EV performance.

Lee added that orders for the Model T this year have exceeded 250 units, with more orders expected by 2028. The company’s electric buses have been deployed in Greater Taipei, Tainan, and Kaohsiung.

Foxtron debuted its first self-branded EV, Bria, in December, marking it as Taiwan’s first domestically developed EV built for overseas markets. Lee said that orders for the vehicle have exceeded 1,000 units, with deliveries starting earlier this month.

Bria is mainly being built at Yulon Motor’s Miaoli plant, and Foxtron may use its other facilities to produce the car as well. In December, Yulon sold its subsidiary Luxgen Motor to Foxtron for NT$780 million, a move Yulon said is expected to support Taiwan’s EV development.

In January, Foxtron and Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corp. formed a new company to make electric buses in Japan. The partnership will combine Foxtron’s EV technology with Mitsubishi Fuso’s bus-making experience. The two companies will collaborate to build and enhance Foxtron’s Model T and Model U buses.