BYD, the world’s leading manufacturer of new energy vehicles (NEV) and power batteries, has marked a significant milestone with the global debut of its latest innovation, the all-new electric double-decker bus, the BD11.
The unveiling took place at the London Bus Museum, a venue of special significance as it houses the first electric bus with a BYD K9E chassis dedicated to the city public transport network.
The introduction of the BD11 signifies a crucial moment for the company in the United Kingdom (UK) transportation scene, as it prepares to enter service later this year.
Specifically designed for the capital, the new model will commence operations in the UK shortly, with plans for a provincial model to follow soon after.
The BD11 features BYD’s renowned Blade Battery, which provides exceptional range, performance, and fast charging capabilities with a market-leading battery capacity of up to 532 kilowatts hour (kWh).
It offers flexible and rapid charging options, supporting dual-gun charging and pantograph fast charging up to 500 kW.
This means that it can be recharged in the shortest possible time, from 0 to 100 per cent in just two hours.
Introduced in 2020, the battery reflects the company’s determination to provide the safest battery on the market while also redefining safety standards for the entire industry.
It is cleverly integrated into the chassis to save weight, increase driving range, and afford high levels of stability and manoeuvrability, while also increasing interior space for passengers.
In addition, the BD11 is equipped with an integrated thermal management system to optimise energy utilisation.
Prioritising driver and passenger comfort and safety, it features active suspension control and offers a comprehensive suite of enhanced safety features, including the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS).
BYD is the only NEV producer to have developed its own powertrain systems, power batteries, automotive semiconductors, motors, and motor controller systems.
There are over 1,800 BYD eBuses in operation on UK roads, with a total operating mileage of more than 80 million miles, which is equivalent to a reduction of 137 million tonnes of CO2 emissions.
Last year, the company introduced new eBus innovations for the European market with the launch of the B12, and it continues to develop industry-leading technologies for public transport networks around the world.
“The firm is committed to technological innovation and spearheading the global transition towards eco-conscious public transportation,” comments Frank Thorpe, Managing Director, BYD UK Commercial Vehicles.
“The BD11 will play a pivotal role in contributing to the reduction of air pollution in London and, soon after, the UK’s wider carbon neutrality goals,” he adds.
“We are proud to launch our own all-new electric double-decker bus with highly innovative, world-leading technology for safe and reliable electric mobility, providing operators with modern eco-friendly eBus options that meet their specifications, thus providing more people the choice to use clean, non-polluting bus services in the future,” he concludes.
About BYD
It is a multinational high-tech company devoted to leveraging technological innovations for a better life.
Founded in 1995 as a rechargeable battery maker, the company now boasts a diverse business scope covering automobiles, rail transit, new energy, and electronics, with over 30 industrial parks in China, the United States, Canada, Japan, Brazil, Hungary, and India.
From energy generation and storage to its applications, BYD is dedicated to providing zero-emission energy solutions that reduce global reliance on fossil fuels.
Its new energy vehicle footprint now covers six continents, over 70 countries and regions, and more than 400 cities.
Listed on both Hong Kong and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges, the company is known to be a Fortune Global 500 enterprise that furnishes innovations in pursuit of a greener world.
Meanwhile, BYD UK was established in 2013 and primarily provides eCars, pure eBuses, forklifts, solar panels, energy storage, and interrelated after-sales services.
The main strategy is to provide innovative electric products, featuring pioneering battery technology, to develop sustainable transport solutions.
