An environment friendly hydrogen-powered bus has made its debut in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province, reports the official Wechat account of the Chengdu Municipal Development and Reform Commission.

Built by a local company, the 10.5-meter long bus is equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell system which can guarantee a smooth ride of 500 to 600 kilometers on a full tank of hydrogen.

The bus can convert to electric power if it runs out of hydrogen.

It's considered both pollution and emission-free.

The prototype is part of a 6 billion yuan program to manufacture 25,000 new energy vehicles.

Hydrogen power has been a growing trend among automobile manufacturers over the past few years. Chinese bus makers, including Zhongtong, Yutong and Beijing Automotive Group have become leaders in China in the development of hydrogen-powered vehicles.

Li Shupeng, president of Zhongtong Bus Holding Co., Ltd., also a deputy to the 13th National People's Congress (NPC), is calling for more hydrogen gas stations to be built this year.