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City Introduces Electric Buses to Edmonton

June 12, 2014 in BYD, Electric Bus, Electric Vehicles

Edmonton, Canada: Edmonton Transit System (ETS) added some stealth to its fleet. It began testing two electric buses – known as ETS Stealth buses – this week. The buses run quietly and cleanly and are more cost-effective to fuel and maintain than diesel engine buses currently used. Operated entirely on electricity, ETS Stealth buses have no exhaust pipes and generate zero emissions when being driven.

“We are very excited to be introducing electric bus technology to Edmonton streets,” said Councillor Andrew Knack. “The City of Edmonton is committed to finding the best combination of transportation technologies to enhance Edmonton’s sustainability, and we’re eager to see how well the ETS Stealth bus delivers ETS service across the city.”

Photo courtesy of BYD

Photo courtesy of BYD

The ETS Stealth buses will run on various ETS routes across the city, travelling with regularly scheduled buses in service and for special events. Passengers can board free of charge. Instead of paying a fare, passengers will be asked to complete a survey describing their experience riding an electric bus. “Public feedback is essential to determining the success of the ETS Stealth pilot project,” said ETS Bus Operations Divisional Supervisor Linda Kadatz. “We hope to hear from every ETS Stealth passenger so that we can make an informed decision later this year about pursuing electric bus technology in our long-term fleet replacement plans.”

The ETS Stealth buses are on lease from BYD Company Ltd. (Build Your Dreams) until October 2014. During the four-month pilot ETS will evaluate the suitability of the ETS Stealth bus based on several factors, including passenger load capacity, passenger comfort, reliability and how well the buses navigate Edmonton’s roadway network. For more information, please visit edmonton.ca/future-transit.

About Edmonton Transit System

Edmonton Transit System, also called ETS, is the public transit service owned and operated by the city of Edmonton, Alberta. ETS provides service for buses and light-rail transit vehicles within Edmonton City limits, in addition to Fort Saskatchewan, Spruce Grove, and the Edmonton Garrison at Namao. It also provides connections to suburban transit services operated by the City of St.

Albert and Strathcona County. ETS also provide service to Leduc. ETS operates an entire fleet of accessible ~960 low floor buses, which have been progressively introduced into the system since 1993. These include the 40-foot buses and 60-foot articulated models. ETS uses the timed-transfer system, where suburban feeder routes run to a transit centre, and passengers can then transfer to a base route to the city centre or the university. During peak hours, some feeder routes provide direct express service to and from the city centre. For more information, please visit edmonton.ca/future-transit.

Photo courtesy of BYD

Photo courtesy of BYD

About BYD

BYD Company Ltd. is one of China’s largest companies and has successfully expanded globally. Specializing in battery technologies, their green mission to “solve the whole problem” has made them industry pioneers and leaders in several High-tech sectors including High-efficiency Automobiles, Electrified Public Transportation, Environmentally-Friendly Energy Storage, Affordable Solar Power and Information Technology and Original Design Manufacturing (ODM) services.

As the world’s largest manufacturer of rechargeable batteries, their mission to create safer and more environmentally friendly battery technologies has led to the development of the BYD Iron Phosphate (or “Fe”) Battery. This fire-safe, completely recyclable and incredibly long-cycle technology has become the core of their clean energy platform that has expanded into automobiles, buses, trucks, utility vehicles and energy storage facilities. BYD and all of their shareholders, including the great American Investor Warren Buffett, see these environmentally and economically forward products as the way of the future.

BYD has made a strong entrance to the North, Central and South American markets with their battery electric buses, and lineup of automobiles. Their mission lies not just in sales growth, but also in sociological integration and local job creation as they have poured incredible investments into developing offices, dealerships and manufacturing facilities in the local communities they now call home, truly a first for Chinese companies. For more information, please visit www.byd.com

This article is a repost, credit: BYD.

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Semuttran Pilot Tests BYD Pure Electric Bus in Piracicaba Brazil

June 11, 2014 in BYD, Electric Bus, Electric Vehicles, EV News

Piracicaba, Brazil — Brazilian Transit Operator Via Agile and Piracicaba’s Transit Authority Semuttran have started pilot testing with a pure-electric transit bus from BYD Company Ltd. The purpose of the evaluation is to find ways to reduce transportation costs and unnecessary emissions in and around the city of Piracicaba.

Photo courtesy of BYD

Photo courtesy of BYD

With the rising cost of diesel fuel in Brazil, Semuttran currently has an average operational fuel cost of R$ 0.90/ km (~$0.61 USD/ mile) on their diesel fueled transit fleet. Their fleet travels 93,500 km (57.6 K miles) annually, so the BYD Pure Electric bus would save them R$ 60,775 (~$26,423 USD) each year in fuel (electricity for the eBus is R$ 0.25/km or ~$0.18USD/ mile). These savings are necessary for operators as many cities in Brazil are attempting to expand their transportation footprint to meet growing demand. “Pilot tests have been very positive – if technical and commercial performance fulfills requirements for the system in Piracicaba, the City will foster the use of electrical buses,” said Jorge Akira, secretary of Semuttran. “So far, all reports from the bus drivers have been positive. There is not much difference from a normal bus when driving, since steering, pedals and dashboards are similar,” said Alcides Ferreira, a driver who has been working for Piracicaba transit companies for 17 years.

BYD’s pure-electric bus employs many advanced technologies developed in-house by BYD’s staff of more than 15,000 engineers, such as the advanced environmentally-friendly, Iron-Phosphate (or “Fe”) batteries, in-wheel hub motors and regenerative braking systems. The break-through Iron-Phosphate battery is fire-safe and non-toxic: there are no caustic materials contained in the battery, no toxic electrolytes or heavy metals and can be completely recycled. The BYD electric bus delivers a host of operational and environmental benefits for public transport riders, operators and people in the community – it is very quiet and ensures a comfortable ride without vibrations, jerks or noise associated with the conventional buses and combustion engines. The bus can also drive for more than 155 miles, even in heavy city traffic on a single charge. The bus has completed more than 16 million miles of “in revenue service” and has been evaluated in many major cities all over the world.

About Semuttran

The Secretary of Traffic and Transport (SEMUTTRAN) was created in the Municipality of Piracicaba, Brazil in April 1993 and is linked directly to the Chief Municipal Executive. The Secretariat’s main objective is the management of traffic and transport of Piracicaba, planning, organizing, and overseeing transit and provision of public passenger transport services. For more information, please visit http://semuttran.piracicaba.sp.gov.br/.

About BYD

BYD Company Ltd. is one of China’s largest companies and has successfully expanded globally. Specializing in battery technologies, their green mission to “solve the whole problem” has made them industry pioneers and leaders in several High-tech sectors including High-efficiency Automobiles, Electrified Public Transportation, Environmentally-Friendly Energy Storage, Affordable Solar Power and Information Technology and Original Design Manufacturing (ODM) services.

As the world’s largest manufacturer of rechargeable batteries, their mission to create safer and more environmentally friendly battery technologies has led to the development of the BYD Iron Phosphate (or “Fe”) Battery. This fire-safe, completely recyclable and incredibly long-cycle technology has become the core of their clean energy platform that has expanded into automobiles, buses, trucks, utility vehicles and energy storage facilities. BYD and all of their shareholders, including the great American Investor Warren Buffett, see these environmentally and economically forward products as the way of the future.

BYD has made a strong entrance to the North, Central and South American markets with their battery electric buses, and lineup of automobiles. Their mission lies not just in sales growth, but also in sociological integration and local job creation as they have poured incredible investments into developing offices, dealerships and manufacturing facilities in the local communities they now call home, truly a first for Chinese companies. For more information, please visit www.byd.com

This article is a repost, credit: BYD.

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Altoona Testing of First 40-foot, Zero-Emissions Electric Rapid Transit Bus is Complete

May 28, 2014 in BYD, Electric Bus, Electric Vehicles, EV News

The BYD Electric Bus is first 40-foot electric bus to complete the Federal Transit Administration’s sponsored testing

Altoona, Pennsylvania, USA: The Altoona Bus Research and Testing Center under the Larson Institute and sponsored by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), last week completed the FTA’s “new model bus testing program” of the first 40-foot, all-electric bus. The BYD Electric Bus has successfully completed the Altoona structural integrity testing program in a fast 116 track days *with full reports published soon. This is the world’s first and only long-range battery electric transit bus in mass production and the only bus capable of driving continuously for up to 24 hours on-a-single-charge that has also received TVM approvals and qualified for FTA funded projects.

The BYD Electric Bus at Lancaster California is proudly built in the United States Photo courtesy of BYD

The BYD Electric Bus at Lancaster California is proudly built in the United States
Photo courtesy of BYD

“The Altoona staff were professional and accommodating guiding BYD through the process and ensuring all testing met the Federal standards. The FTA were supportive of our efforts to ensure that this vehicle, the first 40-foot, all-electric bus to be tested met the North American standards and was properly tested within the guidelines. BYD will commence shortly with the testing of the BYD 60-foot Bus-Rapid-Transit (BRT) style all-electric bus at Altoona, another first for the Transit Industry,” said BYD Motors President Stella Li. “We believe that our 40-foot bus is one of the most structurally sound transit buses on roads today. Yet like all manufacturers, our engineers found ways, through this testing, to make improvements to ensure the sort of long-lasting quality BYD has become known for.” BYD’s electric bus has no transmission, clutches or drive train but has instead two robust in-wheel-drive motors powered by batteries on board the bus. BYD sees this recent accomplishment as the first of many, in what will be a long and productive relationship with the Altoona Bus Testing and Research Center. The 40 foot BYD Electric Bus is just the first of three different size options that will be offered to the United States for the 2014/2015 deliveries. Next at Altoona will be the 60-foot articulated BYD All-Electric bus.

About BYD

BYD Company Ltd. is one of China’s largest companies and has successfully expanded globally. Specializing in battery technologies, their green mission to “solve the whole problem” has made them industry pioneers and leaders in several High-tech sectors including High-efficiency Automobiles, Electrified Public Transportation, Environmentally-Friendly Energy Storage, Affordable Solar Power and Information Technology and Original Design Manufacturing (ODM) services.

As the world’s largest manufacturer of rechargeable batteries, their mission to create safer and more environmentally friendly battery technologies has led to the development of the BYD Iron Phosphate (or “Fe”) Battery. This fire-safe, completely recyclable and incredibly long-cycle technology has become the core of their clean energy platform that has expanded into automobiles, buses, trucks, utility vehicles and energy storage facilities. BYD and all of their shareholders, including the great American Investor Warren Buffett, see these environmentally and economically forward products as the way of the future.

BYD has made a strong entrance to the North, Central and South American markets with their battery electric buses, and lineup of automobiles. Their mission lies not just in sales growth, but also in sociological integration and local job creation as they have poured incredible investments into developing offices, dealerships and manufacturing facilities in the local communities they now call home, truly a first for Chinese companies. For more information, please visit www.byd.com

This article is a repost, credit: BYD.

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BYD Receives Record Bus & Taxi Order

May 9, 2014 in BYD, Electric Bus, Electric Vehicles, EV News

Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China: BYD Company Ltd. has received a record-setting order for their new energy vehicles. Situated in east China along the Qiantang River lies Hangzhou, a place commonly referred to as China’s most beautiful cities. In response to China’s deteriorating air quality and ecological environment, Hangzhou’s Leadership has taken a serious stance on combatting the issues by adopting zero-emissions public transportation, namely electric buses and taxis.

Pictured Above: The pure-electric BYD e6 Taxi and k9 Transit Bus Courtesy of BYD

Pictured Above: The pure-electric BYD e6 Taxi and k9 Transit Bus
Courtesy of BYD

The order for 2,000 long-range, battery-electric transit buses and 1,000 long-range, pure-electric cars was signed this week by the Mayor of Hangzhou, Hongming Zhang and is one of the world’s largest all-electric fleets ever ordered. “Hangzhou is a beautiful place with a rich history and culture, as well as a great environment for investment. BYD is excited to bring our world-leading electric transportation technologies to Hangzhou and witness the vision and dreams of this leadership team come to pass,” said BYD Ltd founder and Chairman, Wang Chuanfu. The order is a remarkable achievement for BYD, cementing their place as the world’s preeminent electric-fleet provider. “There is simply no other company that manufactures and delivers fleets of electric cars and electric busesby the thousands! The R&D expertise, manufacturing scale and component spend leverage BYD is gaining from building and delivering these fleets has put us years ahead of any possible competitor,” said BYD America Vice President Micheal Austin who just delivered BYD’s first American-made long-range, electric buses last week to California’s Governor Jerry Brown.

Pictured Above: Mayor Hongming Zhang and BYD’s Wang Chuanfu Courtesy of BYD

Pictured Above: Mayor Hongming Zhang and BYD’s Wang Chuanfu
Courtesy of BYD

Hangzhou is home to Alibaba, another high-tech Chinese company known for game-changing innovations. “Today the electric vehicle market is growing and EV technologies have matured to the point where every city transit should be adopting them. The turning point of new energy is now, and we want to see BYD grow the same way we saw Jack Ma’s Alibaba grow years ago,” said Secretary Gong Zheng of Hangzhou’s Municipal Committee. BYD will be making special arrangements to deliver the first 1,000 buses and 500 eTaxis by the end of 2014.

About BYD

BYD Company Ltd. is one of China’s largest companies and has successfully expanded globally. Specializing in battery technologies, their green mission to “solve the whole problem” has made them industry pioneers and leaders in several High-tech sectors including High-efficiency Automobiles, Electrified Public Transportation, Environmentally-Friendly Energy Storage, Affordable Solar Power and Information Technology and Original Design Manufacturing (ODM) services.

As the world’s largest manufacturer of rechargeable batteries, their mission to create safer and more environmentally friendly battery technologies has led to the development of the BYD Iron Phosphate (or “Fe”) Battery. This fire-safe, completely recyclable and incredibly long-cycle technology has become the core of their clean energy platform that has expanded into automobiles, buses, trucks, utility vehicles and energy storage facilities. BYD and all of their shareholders, including the great American Investor Warren Buffett, see these environmentally and economically forward products as the way of the future.

BYD has made a strong entrance to the North, Central and South American markets with their battery electric buses, and lineup of automobiles. Their mission lies not just in sales growth, but also in sociological integration and local job creation as they have poured incredible investments into developing offices, dealerships and manufacturing facilities in the local communities they now call home, truly a first for Chinese companies. For more information, please visit www.byd.com

This article is a repost, credit: BYD.

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BYD Delivers Taiwan’s First Electric Buses

May 4, 2014 in BYD, China, Electric Bus, Electric Vehicles, EV News

Taiwan’s MiaoLi Motor Transportation Ltd Launches Zero-Emissions Service

Taichung City, Taiwan, Apr 30th, 2014: BYD Company Ltd. has delivered the first three of what will hopefully be many battery electric transit buses for the streets of Taiwan.

Pictured Above: President Huang Yunxi demonstrates the BYD Power Interface Photo courtesy of BYD

Pictured Above: President Huang Yunxi demonstrates the BYD Power Interface
Photo courtesy of BYD

MiaoLi Motor Transportation Limited has officially taken delivery on three of BYD Company Ltd.’s revolutionary electric transit buses. “We are very glad to be BYD’s first customer in the Taiwan market. We chose these long-range transit buses to combat rising fuel costs as well as to protect our environment. They will surely be a success on the streets and on our balance sheets,” said Taiwan MiaoLi Motor Transport President Huang Yunxi. The standard 12 meter (40’) transit vehicles are currently the only long-range battery electric transit solution available worldwide. “BYD’s eBus will provide a new environmentally-friendly, green option for people in Taiwan when they ride the shuttles in the city. What we do today plays a great role in environmental protection because replacing one Diesel or CNG bus is equivalent to avoid the CO2 of 33 private cars on the road,” said Liu Xueliang, General Manager of BYD Asia Pacific. “This historic first delivery to Taiwan symbolizes a unified goal for a cleaner tomorrow on both sides of The Taiwan Strait is hopefully the first of many to come.”

Pictured Above: Taiwan’s first Battery Electric Transit Bus Photo courtesy of BYD

Pictured Above: Taiwan’s first Battery Electric Transit Bus
Photo courtesy of BYD

BYD’s pure-electric bus employs many advanced technologies developed in-house by BYD’s expansive staff of more than 15,000 engineers, such as the advanced environmentally-friendly, Iron-Phosphate (or “Fe”) batteries, in-wheel hub motors and regenerative braking systems. The break-through Iron-Phosphate battery is fire-safe and non-toxic: there are no caustic materials contained in the battery, no toxic electrolytes or heavy metals and can be completely recycled. The BYD electric bus delivers a host of operational and environmental benefits for public transport riders, operators and people in the community – it is very quiet and ensures a comfortable ride without vibrations, jerks or noise associated with the conventional buses and combustion engines. The bus can also drive for more than 250 km (155 miles) even in heavy city traffic on a single charge. The bus has completed more than 25.2 million kilometers (or nearly 16 M miles) of “in revenue service” and has been evaluated in many major cities all over the world.

About BYD

BYD Company Ltd. is one of China’s largest companies and has successfully expanded globally. Specializing in battery technologies, their green mission to “solve the whole problem” has made them industry pioneers and leaders in several High-tech sectors including High-efficiency Automobiles, Electrified Public Transportation, Environmentally-Friendly Energy Storage, Affordable Solar Power and Information Technology and Original Design Manufacturing (ODM) services.

As the world’s largest manufacturer of rechargeable batteries, their mission to create safer and more environmentally friendly battery technologies has led to the development of the BYD Iron Phosphate (or “Fe”) Battery. This fire-safe, completely recyclable and incredibly long-cycle technology has become the core of their clean energy platform that has expanded into automobiles, buses, trucks, utility vehicles and energy storage facilities. BYD and all of their shareholders, including the great American Investor Warren Buffett, see these environmentally and economically forward products as the way of the future.

BYD has made a strong entrance to the North, Central and South American markets with their battery electric buses, and lineup of automobiles. Their mission lies not just in sales growth, but also in sociological integration and local job creation as they have poured incredible investments into developing offices, dealerships and manufacturing facilities in the local communities they now call home, truly a first for Chinese companies. For more information, please visit www.byd.com

This article is a repost, credit: BYD.

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California Governor Jerry Brown Helps BYD Showcase Its Breakthrough Battery Technology During Unveiling Of State’s First Ever Long-Range Electric Bus Factory In Lancaster, California

April 28, 2014 in BYD, Electric Bus, Electric Vehicles, EV News, Politics

ELECTRIC, ZERO EMISSION, ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY BUSES DO NOT USE ANY GASOLINE: BATTERIES LAST 24 HOURS ON A SINGLE CHARGE

The BYD electric transit bus in front of the BYD Motors Assembly Plant in Lancaster, CA Photo courtesy of BYD

The BYD electric transit bus in front of the BYD Motors Assembly Plant in Lancaster, CA
Photo courtesy of BYD

Lancaster, CA, April 28, 2014 — In a historic event attended by State of California Governor Jerry Brown, BYD unveiled the first California-made, all-electric, long-range, 40-foot rapid transit bus. The ceremony was held in Lancaster, California at BYD’s first ever electric bus factory in the United States, which has created more than 60 new jobs for American workers. “The City of Lancaster strongly believes in the importance of building solid private-public partnerships, such as our ongoing relationship with BYD. Together, we were recognized internationally for our innovative solar programs at the 2012 World Energy Globe Awards’” said City of Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris. “BYD continues to bring much-needed manufacturing jobs to our community, having already brought more than 60 new jobs to our region. We look forward to their continued growth, and the resulting economic prosperity they bring to the Antelope Valley and the State of California.”

BYD expects to increase the number of new jobs created to 100 by the end of the year, while adding 200 more by the end of next year. The company hopes this will be the first of many cities where BYD will provide clean energy electric buses, while creating more jobs for Americans.

“This event is truly historic with the unveiling of the first California-made, all-electric, long-range, 40-foot rapid transit buses lasting up to 24 hours on a single charge,” said CEO of BYD Motors, Stella Li. “BYD has a long and solid commitment to provide zero-emission, superior technology transportation vehicles in the United States. We are starting out here in Lancaster, California with the goal of providing clean energy electric buses, throughout the United States creating even more jobs for Americans. BYD is proud to deliver this breakthrough environmentally friendly technology to California.”

BYD’s breakthrough battery and EV technologies have resulted in an electricity-powered, 24-hour, long-range battery that provides emission-free, silent, and economic public and private transportation. As the world’s largest manufacturer of rechargeable batteries, BYD’s mission is to create safer and more environmentally-friendly battery technologies. This has resulted in the BYD Iron Phosphate Battery.

California Governor Jerry Brown attended the event and stated, “This is a small beginning – a few buses – but it holds the promise of something very big and very important.”

Speakers at the ceremony included:

  • Governor Jerry Brown – Governor of California
  • Mayor R. Rex Parris – Mayor of Lancaster, California
  • Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich – Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors
  • Bill Allen – President and Chief Executive Officer of the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation
  • Stella Li– CEO, BYD Motors
  • Lanny Davis – Attorney for BYD and former White House Special Counsel
Photo courtesy of BYD

Photo courtesy of BYD

ABOUT BYD Motors Inc.

BYD Motors Inc. is an American manufacturing company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of BYD Company Ltd, the largest domestic auto-manufacturer and electric-bus manufacturer in China. BYD is a publicly traded company, with the Hong Kong listed stock 60% of which is owned by U.S. investors, and Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway as the largest single shareholder at 9.9%.

BYD Motors established its headquarters in downtown Los Angeles in October 2011 and has now hired over 60 Americans to support BYD Electric Bus and Energy Module factories in Lancaster, California which will be delivering their first electric buses at the end of the month. There are also over 25 American research and development and sales support personnel at the Los Angeles headquarters. BYD expects to create 100 new jobs by the end of this year, with 200 by the end of next year all devoted to building BYD’s breakthrough battery technologies enabling zero-emission, electric buses, higher utility fleet delivery vehicles, taxis and longer lasting batteries than any other manufacturer in the U.S.

As the world’s largest manufacturer of rechargeable batteries, BYD’s mission is to create safer and more environmentally-friendly battery technologies. This has resulted in the BYD Iron Phosphate Battery, a fire-safe, completely recyclable, and incredibly long-cycle technology — the foundation of BYD’s clean energy platforms.

The technology BYD has brought to California has been touted as break-through with the following distinctions:

  • Electric buses run entirely off battery power lasting up to 24 hours on a single charge, with single off-peak charging time of 3-5 hours.
  • Buses run entirely off of batteries, with NO transmissions, clutches, or an internal-combustion engine.
  • Buses can hold up to 60 passengers designed with low floors without any steps, made possible with in-wheel hub motors, making it elderly and disability friendly.
  • Battery chemistry environmentally friendly, making it disposable and pollution-free with zero-emissions.
  • Due to its track record for superior technology, BYD has won the most contracts for electric buses in United States.
  • BYD has globally produced more electric buses than any other manufacturer with over 1,300 buses worldwide.
  • BYD’s electric bus has been tested for more North American miles at more Transit Authorities than any other electric bus.
  • Buses that will drive out of the Lancaster factory on April 28th have the ability to save 2.77 trees per day, literally a forest each month on U.S. roads.

ABOUT the City of Lancaster

The City of Lancaster is a thriving community of more than 158,600 in northern Los Angeles County. Clean air, attainable housing, wide open spaces, and a close-knit community make Lancaster an ideal place for families. A low cost of doing business, endless potential for growth, and a strong commitment to business from local leaders has twice earned Lancaster the Eddy Award for “Most Business-Friendly City” in Los Angeles County from the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation. In addition, Lancaster boasts more than 300 days of sunshine per year, making it the ideal place to pioneer new solar energy technologies. No matter how you look at it, it’s positively clear that Lancaster is the perfect place to live, work and play.

This article is a repost, credit: BYD.

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First Zero-Emissions All-Electric Bus Launches in Rio de Janeiro

March 31, 2014 in BYD, Electric Bus, Electric Vehicles, EV News

Fetranspor is now evaluating the BYD 12 meter electric bus

Photo courtesy of BYD

Photo courtesy of BYD

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Mar. 31st, 2014: Fetranspor and Rio Bus, the public transportation companies for the state and city of Rio, and BYD a Chinese company with leading technologies on batteries and electric vehicles joined together at the opening ceremonies for the launch of the BYD 100% electric bus this week. This is the first pure-electric bus to launch in Rio and is running now on line 249 (Water-Santa Carioca) operated by Matias, the leader of the Consortium Internorte.

Photo courtesy of BYD

Photo courtesy of BYD

The partnership, which aims to test the bus on a regular line for one month, has the support from the City Government through the City Department of Transportation, and the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (a network of megacities committed to taking actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions) and is currently chaired by Mayor of Rio de Janeiro Eduardo Paes.

Participants attending the launch ceremony included Lelis Marcos Teixeira, President Of Fetranspor; Joao Augusto Monteiro, Chairman of Rio Bus, Roberto Carlos Ozorio, Municipal Secretary of Transportation, Julio Lopes, Secretary of State for Transport Of Rio De Janeiro, Stella Li, BYD Motors President, Cristina Mendonca, City Director for C40 in Rio de Janeiro, Vagner Rigon, Sales Vice President of BYD Brasil. Authorities and journalists were able to ride on the electrical bus during its first drive.

Rio de Janeiro at the forefront of reducing emissions

Rio is one of the three cities in Brazil to test the 100% electric buses from BYD (São Paulo and Salvador have done successful tests already). The Operation Manager for Mobility at Fetranspor, Guilherme Wilson said that, “the electric buses are no longer just a promise; the electrical technology is a major innovation in the urban mobility sector. In addition, this vehicle has zero emissions, superior durability and lower operating costs, all considerable advantages towards sustainability.”

Photo courtesy of BYD

Photo courtesy of BYD

Companies in Rio have tested some types of buses before, like hybrids, diesel from sugar cane, biodiesel also CNG buses. The pioneering favored this new partnership. “Fetranspor is a great reference for testing new energy buses in public transportation and the segment in Rio de Janeiro is a model for many cities in the country”, said Vagner Rigon, Sales Vice President of BYD do Brasil. “The partnership with Fetranspor will be important to showcase its economical and environmental benefits and help to develop the market for low carbon buses.”

Besides Brazil, the 100% electric bus has been tested since 2011 in several cities around the world such as Los Angeles and New York (USA), Bogota (COL), London (GB), Copenhagen (DIN) and Oranjestad (Aruba). BYD is testing the buses under different traffic and road conditions, terrain, elevations and temperatures to improve bus design.

BYD electric bus

The BYD K9 model is the first 100% electric bus in mass production in the world and is the only one that uses BYD’s unique Iron Phosphate (or “Fe”) Battery. Iron Phosphate is considered the cleanest and safest in the market. They are recyclable and fireproof. The batteries are contained in three areas, on the roof besides the back axles and over the front wheels of the vehicle. They are recharged via a bidirectional AV systems with grid 380 VAC, which was already installed in the garage at Road A Mathias. Recharging takes four to five hours and allows an average driving range over 250 km.

The electric motors are built into the wheels of the rear axle making it more efficient for passenger loading since the floor height can be dropped lower than where conventional bus axels are. The configuration allows recovering energy when braking. According to BYD, its energy consumption is equivalent to 1.2-1.4 kWh/ km, which is around 75% more efficient than conventional buses, making it a lower operating and maintenance costs. The bus holds up to 80 passengers, 29 seated and 50 standing besides the placeholder for wheelchair users, equal to conventional buses.

About Fetranspor

The Fetranspor – Federation of Passenger Transport of the State of Rio de Janeiro is the combination of ten bus unions responsible for urban, suburban, tour and charter transportation companies. These unions unite 192 companies and 19 public transport charters and tourisms, which account for 81% of regular public transport in the State of Rio de Janeiro. For more information, please visit www.fetranspor.com.br

About BYD

BYD Company Ltd. is one of China’s largest companies and has successfully expanded globally. Specializing in battery technologies, their green mission to “solve the whole problem” has made them industry pioneers and leaders in several High-tech sectors including High-efficiency Automobiles, Electrified Public Transportation, Environmentally-Friendly Energy Storage, Affordable Solar Power and Information Technology and Original Design Manufacturing (ODM) services.

As the world’s largest manufacturer of rechargeable batteries, their mission to create safer and more environmentally friendly battery technologies has led to the development of the BYD Iron Phosphate (or “Fe”) Battery. This fire-safe, completely recyclable and incredibly long-cycle technology has become the core of their clean energy platform that has expanded into automobiles, buses, trucks, utility vehicles and energy storage facilities. BYD and all of their shareholders, including the great American Investor Warren Buffett, see these environmentally and economically forward products as the way of the future.

BYD has made a strong entrance to the North, Central and South American markets with their battery electric buses, and lineup of automobiles. Their mission lies not just in sales growth, but also in sociological integration and local job creation as they have poured incredible investments into developing offices, dealerships and manufacturing facilities in the local communities they now call home, truly a first for Chinese companies. For more information, please visit www.byd.com.

This article is a repost, credit: BYD.

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