Ankai - N12E Electric Coach Exterior Design
The new Ankai N12E fully electric coach, introduced in September 2025 in China, continues the implementation of the exterior body panel design developed in collaboration with our company, Dubiel Design.
Having had the opportunity to contribute to the development of Ankai’s future bus projects, including its zero-emission coach series, we focused on creating timeless qualities in the exterior aesthetics. Our goal was to establish a new design language that would remain fresh and relevant over time, while also giving our client the flexibility to apply this style across various models and types in the next generation of Ankai coaches.
The result is the modern and elegant lines of the N-Series coach, beginning at the front wall and flowing seamlessly along the side panels, where the distinctive new design feature enhances the dynamic character of the vehicle, while simultaneously emphasising the robust and safe construction of the coach.
This new design vision for the N-Series gives the vehicles a strong road presence, creating a bold statement for a new generation of zero-emission, modern public transit solutions.
Our collaboration began a few years earlier with the development of the smaller 9-meter N8 coach, and has since evolved into the fully electric N12E. Throughout this process, our focus remained on creating a distinctive and timeless visual identity for the entire new family of buses.
As described by ChinaBuses.org, the new N12E features “a sophisticated and streamlined exterior, harmonious front design … tailor-made for medium-to-long-distance passenger transport, corporate commuting, and tourism rental markets.”
For the full story, please visit: ChinaBuses.org
Our creative process combined the exploration of multiple ideas through 2D design sketches, the development of 3D surfaces, and close cooperation with Ankai’s engineering team to ensure that the design could be successfully implemented on the platform.
Project created in collaboration with:
Jimin He Vermittlung & Beratung / 何博⼠咨询顾问公司
Dr.-Ing. Jimin He / 何际敏 ⼯学博⼠
Neu-Ulm, Germany / 德国
+49 160 906 89612
for:
Anhui Ankai Automobile Co. Ltd,
Hefei, Anhui, China 2022/2023
Photos courtesy of Ankai Automobile Co. Ltd.