Chinese EV maker BYD is charging forward in the electric vehicle revolution, and their latest unveiling at the UITP Summit in Hamburg, the B13.b electric bus, is a game-changer for intercity travel. The B13.b an evolution of their popular B13 model, engineered to push the boundaries of range and efficiency.
The B13.b boasts an impressive 700-kilometer range on a single charge (based on the Standardized On-Road Test, or SORT, cycle). This incredible feat is powered by BYD’s proprietary lithium iron phosphate (LFP) Blade Battery technology, offering a maximum battery capacity of 560kWh. What’s even more remarkable is that it can achieve this while comfortably carrying up to 78 passengers (49 seated and 29 standing).
With a top speed of 100 km/h, the B13.b is designed for flexibility, ready to tackle both bustling urban routes and demanding intercity journeys.
The B13.b is packed with advanced features that contribute to its performance:
– Powerful Dual Motors: Two 150kW wheel hub hairpin motors provide robust and efficient propulsion.
– Integrated Thermal Management System: This smart system optimizes performance by bundling drivetrain cooling, battery cooling, battery heat pump heating, and even drivetrain waste heat recovery, all while boosting battery efficiency.
– Flexible Charging Options: The B13.b can be charged using single or dual 192kW charging guns, and for even faster turnarounds, it supports a maximum charging power of 500kW with an overhead pantograph charging mechanism.
BYD also showcased its B12.b at the UITP Summit, the first electric bus built on their next-generation eBus platform featuring the Blade Battery Chassis. Both the B12.b and the B13.b benefit from BYD’s cutting-edge CTC (cell-to-chassis) technology. This innovative approach integrates the Blade Battery directly into the vehicle’s framework, leading to several significant advantages:
– Reduced Vehicle Weight: Lighter buses mean greater efficiency.
– Enhanced Energy Efficiency: Maximizing every watt of power.
– Improved Safety: A more integrated design often translates to enhanced structural integrity.
– Superior Ride Comfort and Handling: A smoother, more controlled experience for passengers and drivers alike.
As a BYD spokesperson highlighted, the company has been a pioneer in electric bus innovation for over a decade, deploying its first commercial electric bus fleet in 2011 and leading in battery technology since 1995. Their commitment to sustainable transportation is evident in their impressive track record.
As of 2025, BYD has secured over 6,500 eBus orders across 26 European countries, serving more than 160 major cities. Collectively, BYD eBus models have driven over 360 million miles in Europe, contributing to a remarkable reduction of over 630,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions. This significant impact underscores BYD’s crucial role in supporting Europe’s carbon neutrality goals.
