Chinese electric bus maker BYD recently showcased its proven 12-metre electric bus at the UITP Global Public Transport Summit in Stockholm. The company’s pure electric, 100% emissions-free electric bus boasts an all-new aluminium body and a choice of two- and three-door variants, both offering a total maximum capacity of 80 passengers.
The 12-metre electric bus from BYD is the company’s most popular electric bus product. Manufactured in Hungary, the best-seller is also establishing itself as the electric bus of choice among an increasing number of Local Authority public transport providers right across Europe.
BYD reached a significant milestone in May after delivering its 50,000th electric bus product – again, its 12-metre model – part of a delivery of 15 electric buses for public transport operator TUBASA in Badajoz, Spain. The landmark delivery consolidates BYD as the global market leader of electric buses, and, with over 700 electric buses now on order or in service right across Europe, BYD now commands over 20% of the European electric bus market.
BYD’s 12-metre electric bus is manufactured at the company’s Komarom-based production facility in Hungary. Underlining its commitment to customers the length and breadth of the European continent, and further strengthening its European production capability, BYD also has a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Beauvais, France, from where it assembles a full range of electric buses for the French market, including midibus, articulated and coaches.
“Our increasing presence in Europe make for some impressive figures,” said BYD Europe’s Managing Director, Isbrand Ho, “More than 700 BYD electric buses in service or on order around Europe, a share of more than 20% of the European market and the 50,000th electric bus to roll off the production line – the move to emissions-free transport is gathering pace, and it is the bus sector that’s leading the way. BYD is at the forefront of electric mobility for the bus sector,” he said, “proven technology that delivers safe, reliable performance – characteristics that are essential for bus fleet operators of any size. Our huge expertise in the installation of charging infrastructures means BYD customers receive a total solution for electric operations.”
Recent and significant fleet orders and deliveries involving high-profile handovers in throughout Europe, include:
– Badajoz, Spain: 15-off 12-metre electric buses for TUBASA
– Madrid, Spain: 15-off 12-metre electric buses for EMT Madrid
– Badalona, Spain: 8-off 12-metre electric buses for TUSGSAL
– Coimbra, Portugal: 8-off 12-metre electric buses for SMTUC
– Messina, Italy, 16-off 8.7-metre electric buses for ATM
– Sweden: 20-off 18-metre electric bus for Nobina (taking the total to 138)
– UK: 37-off BYD ADL Enviro400EV ‘double-deckers’ for Metroline (Transport for London)
BYD 12-metre electric bus – BYD’s most popular electric bus
The new, all-aluminum construction offers a lighter weight body over its 12-metre predecessor, yet delivering higher structural strength, improved sealing performance and anti-corrosion properties.
Power is delivered via BYD’s fully electric drivetrain technology featuring high capacity 348 kWh Iron-Phosphate batteries providing an impressive over 250 km range (based on the 12-metre model). The drivetrain also benefits from BYD’s innovative wheel-hub-motor – meaning no gearbox, driveshaft or differential componentry – and also BYD’s industry-leading Battery Thermal Management System (BTMS) delivering excellent heat interchange properties. BTMS successfully reduces battery degradation while extending battery life and vehicle operating range.
A range of electric bus charging solutions are in place to meet divergent customer requirements, including AC charging, DC charging and opportunity charging. BYD charging infrastructure is easy to install, use and maintain.
Smart Monitoring and Diagnosing System (SMDS) allows BYD operators to monitor real-time status of their electric buses and their charging posts. Operators can remotely diagnose any problems and control the vehicles’ systems, significantly reducing maintenance costs. Driving data generated by SMDS can be analysed and used for further research.
A new intelligent low-voltage electricity management system integrates all the electric circuits of the bus, while a newly upgraded self-diagnosis function effectively diagnoses short circuits caused by excessive internal heat or voltage. The system may be tailored to meet a diverse range of operational requirements. Additional protection is afforded for both the hardware and software, thus further enhancing overall safety of the bus.
Optimisation of the drive-axle and use of sound-proofing materials have markedly reduced internal noise, enhancing the passenger and driver experience. Smooth vehicle acceleration has also increased passenger comfort. USB sockets are installed for passenger convenience.
A greater choice of body colours and professional colour matching better meets customers’ requirements.
“We have an excellent line-up of electric bus products to suit a wide range of passenger carrying requirements,” said Isbrand Ho, Managing Director at BYD Europe, “from our compact and highly versatile 8.7-metre electric midi-bus, our 10.8- and 12-metre electric buses proving so popular for Local Authorities, our 13-metre 59-seat electric coach and our 18-metre articulated electric bus with its impressive 140 passenger-capacity.
“While we continue to develop electric bus products to suit customer requirements, we are seeing a groundswell in demand for emissions-free transport from the general public,” he said, “it is the people that’s driving the change. I’m very pleased that BYD has the products, the charging-infrastructure and, importantly, the long-term business plan to satisfy this demand and to support our commitment to delivering 100% emissions-free electric bus transport to European towns and cities.”
