Why are these relatively new and modern trolleybuses withdrawn, after only 8 years of service?

This is quite a complicated topic and there are several factors to this:

- All route service buses in China have a mandated maxium service life of 13 years.

> After 8 years, the vehicle requires more intensive yearly inspections, until its 13th year, when it must be written off.

- Due to 'concerns' regarding battery safety in older (trolley)buses, batteries are deemed a 'safety hazard' if used beyond 8 years. While using the battery beyond 8 years is not a criminal offence, a battery which is 8 years old and catches fire may be deemed a significant contributing factor to the fire, and the operating company may be (more heavily) liable.

- They can opt for a battery replacement, but the bus itself can only be then used for 5 more years. The operators will have to balance cost and benefit. In some areas, there are certain concessions or discounts given to the purchase of new electric (trolley)buses.

> Hence, some (better off) cities, like Shanghai, simply write off old vehicles. Other cities, such as Qingdao, Taiyuan, Jinan, even Beijing tend to prefer making the most out of the vehicle's service life, operating (trolley)buses for up to 13 years.