China is testing a futuristic bus that straddles traffic and carries over a thousand passengers

New China TV/YouTube

China has begun testing a futuristic-looking electric bus that straddles traffic as it drives down the street.

By straddling the traffic, the bus is able to quickly move above most vehicles, helping cut down on congestion and pollution caused by auto emissions.

Transit Explore Bus, which is the company behind the vehicle, first revealed the concept in May at the 19th China Beijing International High-Tech Expo. But on Tuesday the company showed off a full-scale prototype in Qinhuangdao, China and launched its first road test, according to a report from China Xinhua News.

Let's take a closer look at the prototype.

The straddling bus, or the TEB-1 as it’s called, is the world’s first elevated bus.

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The bus is elevated so cars can pass under as it moves along roads. Cars under 6.5 feet tall can easily fit below the bus.

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Electric chargers are placed along the bus route to charge the vehicle when it's low on energy.

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