Chinese electric bus maker BYD delivered the first electric bus fleet for public transport in the Caribbean, opening up an exciting new chapter in the region’s efforts to tackle climate change.
The Barbados Transport Board recently received 33 BYD electric buses and two more of the 30-foot buses will be delivered by December. The introduction of electric buses into the existing fleet will assist in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of public transport in Barbados.
The Transport Board partnered with BYD and Megapower Ltd, BYD’s local representative, on the project.
The bus delivery is an important milestone for the Barbados National Climate Change Plan, which sets a goal of 100% renewable energy and carbon neutrality by 2030.
The buses were specifically designed for the Barbados market and come equipped with wheelchair accessibility, WIFI and USB charger connectors, promising a quiet, comfortable, and emissions-free ride
In a related news, BYD announced it delivered three more K7M buses to the Kansas City International Airport (KCI), the first in the nation to use battery-electric buses to serve its passengers.
The 30-foot K7M buses will serve as parking lot shuttles, bringing passengers to the airport terminals. The buses will join four other K7Ms bought by KCI in 2017.
BYD electric buses have no tailpipe emissions, offer savings in fuels costs, and lower maintenance costs by having fewer moving parts than combustion engine vehicles. The K7M seats 22, has a range of up to 150 miles, and can be fully charged in 2.5 to 3 hours. Amenities include luggage racks for passenger use.
The buses were built at BYD’s Coach & Bus factory in Lancaster, California, the first American bus manufacturing facility to have both a unionized workforce and a Community Benefits Agreement, which sets goals for hiring veterans, single parents, second chance citizens, and others facing hurdles in obtaining manufacturing employment. BYD’s high quality zero-emission buses not only meet, but exceed, Federal Transit Administration “Buy America” requirements, incorporating more than 70% U.S. content.
