Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD announced the launch of the BYD K12A at the company’s headquarters in Shenzhen, the world’s first 27-m pure electric bi-articulated bus.
With a passenger capacity of 250 people, BYD claims the K12A is the longest pure electric bus in the world and can travel at a maximum speed of 70 km/h (43.5 mph). Additionally, it is also the world’s first electric bus equipped with a distributed 4WD system, which can switch between 2WD and 4WD smoothly to meet the demands of different terrains, while also lowering the vehicle’s overall energy consumption.
The BYD K12A will have an all-electric range of 300 km (about 186 miles).
BYD said the K12A was developed for TransMilenio’s Bus Rapid Transit system in Colombia, along with other world BRT systems.
“Today, BYD once again uses its core technology, reliable products and innovative solutions to solve the two great urban ills of congestion and pollution”. Stella Li, Senior Vice President of BYD said, “The K12A will bring zero emissions to BRT systems, allowing passengers to enjoy quiet, pollution-free travel, while at the same time saving significant maintenance costs for operators.”
