BYD launches latest pure electric ebus at UITP and challenges the transport industry
The world’s largest maker of pure electric full size buses, BYD, showed off its latest model and urged European bus operators to get on board the electric bus revolution at the UITP (International Union of Public Transport) Show in Milan, Italy, today.
The BYD stand features a heavily enhanced and Europeanised version of its 12m full size single decker bus. Much improved battery technology means that only two battery packs are necessary (all previous models in Europe have had three packs), allowing increased passenger space in a typical European layout, improved driver visibility and reduced weight. Despite the smaller batteries the bus is still capable of delivering 260km on a single charge when measured against UITP’s own SORT test standard.
Introducing the enhanced ebus, BYD Europe’s Managing Director Isbrand Ho revealed that an 18m articulated ebus and 10.2m double decker for London would be unveiled at the Busworld event in Belgium later in the year and that an 8m midi bus is now available in China.
He laid down this challenge to his audience of bus operators and media from around the world: “There no longer any viable reasons not to go pure electric. We can meet any range requirement. We can provide a wide range of specifications and vehicle sizes. We can dramatically improve total cost of ownership compared to diesel buses. BYD will in due course be able to offer European operators European-built buses. We don’t build diesel buses; we only offer totally emissions free public transportation – from the start, all the time, for every kilometre.”
“So, I earnestly urge you, go back and consider why Europe is still waiting when proven pure electric buses are ready to carry European passengers and also enhance European cities’ air quality. Not tomorrow but today!” he said.
Mr Ho acknowledged the current strong market position of hybrid bus models in Europe. “Hybrid, which was meant to be only a stop-gap solution, is unsustainable. It’s too expensive with two drivetrains on the same vehicle, a vehicle which is still polluting. But in Europe, hybrid is popular for two doubtful reasons. Firstly, local and national incentive programmes encourage the use and production of hybrid buses in an attempt to protect the traditional bus industries. Secondly, bus operators are sometimes ill equipped to fully understand the full range capabilities of an electric bus. We need to accelerate our efforts to help those operators understand.” he added.
The 12m ebus on show is similar in specification to the fleet of 35 ebuses which BYD is supplying to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, the first in the world to go pure electric for its airside passenger transportation.
About BYD
BYD Company Ltd. is one of China’s largest companies to have successfully expanded globally. Specializing in battery technologies, their green mission to “solve the whole problem” has made them industry pioneers and leaders in several High-tech sectors including High-efficiency Automobiles, Electrified Public Transportation, Environmentally-Friendly Energy Storage, Affordable Solar Power and Information Technology and Original Design Manufacturing (ODM) services.
As the world’s largest manufacturer of rechargeable batteries, their mission to create safer and more environmentally friendly battery technologies has led to the development of the BYD Iron Phosphate (or "Fe") Battery. This fire-safe, completely recyclable and incredibly long-cycle technology has become the core of their clean energy platform that has expanded into automobiles, buses, trucks, utility vehicles and energy storage facilities. BYD and all of their shareholders, including the great American Investor Warren Buffett, see these environmentally and economically forward products as the way of the future.
BYD has made a strong entrance to the North, Central and South American markets with their battery electric buses, and lineup of automobiles. Their mission lies not just in sales growth, but also in sociological integration and local job creation as they have poured incredible investments into developing offices, dealerships and manufacturing facilities in the local communities they now call home, truly a first for Chinese companies. For more information, please visit www.byd.com or www.facebook.com/bydcompany.
For further information please contact:
Concerning BYD PR in EU
Penny Peng: penny.peng@byd.com, +31 -102070888, Vareseweg 53, 3047 AT, Rotterdam
Or
Concerning potential co-operation in EU:
Leevon Tian: Leevon.tian@byd.com, +31 -102070888, Vareseweg 53, 3047 AT, Rotterdam
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