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
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
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
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
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
International institute Sustainia has launched its top-10 list of best sustainable innovations for 2013 that will compete for the prestigious Sustainia Award later this year. BYD ebus has been selected as a 2013 finalist and was presented to business leaders from around the world at the UN business conference Leaders Summit in New York on September 19th. The 10 companies and projects have been selected for their potential to drive sustainable change in their communities and industries, and were chosen from among more than 1,000 projects submitted from 79 countries.
BYD ebus
The ebus built by BYD is the first pure-electric bus in the world to be powered by an Iron-Phosphate battery. Hundreds of BYD ebuses are now in passenger carrying operations – by far the largest number of electric buses from any brand. The current BYD ebus measures 12 meters long and is designed with customer transport comfort in mind. The technically advanced and specially designed wheel-hub motor and its electronically controlled air suspension can offer customers a product with an exceptionally low floor, multiple door choices and ample floor space for easy passenger access.
The imposing windscreen occupies two thirds of the frontal area of the bus for maximum viewing as well as safety. The bus body conveys an elegant exterior image, while the interior boasts an air of quality with adjustable driver’s seat, durable seats for passengers and carefully engineered sound insulation keeping the interior ride whisper quiet. BYD’s pure electric bus employs many advanced technologies developed in-house by BYD’s strong R&D team which includes 15,000 engineers. For example, the Iron-Phosphate battery or “Fe Battery” used on the BYD ebus is safe and non-polluting: the materials contained in the battery can be recycled or safely disposed of.
Orders have been won so far in China, the Netherlands, Finland, Denmark, Uruguay, Canada and the United States. The BYD electric bus has also been successfully tested in many cities in Europe including Madrid, Barcelona, Budapest, Salzburg, etc. The accumulated mileage of the 220 electric buses operating in the city of Shenzhen (China) alone was nearly 20 million kilometers (or 12.4 million miles) by the end of August 2013.
Public votes will determine Sustainia Award
The Sustainia top-10 list of sustainable innovations are competing for this year’s Sustainia Award which chaired by former governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger. Joined by Chair of IPCC Dr. Rajendra K. Pachauri, former Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland, and EU Commissioner Connie Hedegaard, Mr. Schwarzenegger will select the final winner of this international sustainability award to be presented at a major ceremony in Copenhagen, November 7th 2013.
“The Top-10 Sustainia projects reflect innovative approaches that can lead to more sustainable industries. Hopefully, they will inspire more businesses to take green practicing to heart. It is not an easy choice to select one, but I’m looking forward to presenting a Sustainia Award winner in Copenhagen,” says Dr. Rajendra Pachauri, chair of UN’s panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Members of the public can help the BYD ebus get closer to an award by voting for in the Sustainia Community Award, which is decided entirely on the public votes. Learn more on the nominees and place votes at (http://a.pgtb.me/wB41M4).
10 Solutions Selected From Around the World The top-10 list is being launched at UN Global Compact’s annual Leaders Summit conference in New York. The largest gathering of its kind, the summit is a key discussion forum for business leaders on corporate sustainability strategies.
“Sustainia is demonstrating that a transformation towards a greener and more inclusive world is possible everywhere,” says Georg Kell, executive director of UN Global Compact.
Representing innovation from different parts of the world, the top-10 projects showcase readily available solutions and technologies capable of transforming businesses, cities, industries and our everyday life. Developed in nine different countries, the 10 solutions are in total deployed in more than 90 countries around the world.
“The 10 projects showcase that a green transformation of our societies has come a long way. They are 10 reasons for optimism. The challenge is that most projects are unknown to the public. Sustainia’s mission is to create a platform for the best sustainable solutions from around the world in order to ensure awareness and deployment on a global scale,“ says Erik Rasmussen, founder of Sustainia.
Publication on Sustainia’s Top-10 of Sustainable Innovation available here: (http://issuu.com/sustainia/docs/s10-2013)
About Sustainia
Sustainia is an innovation platform where companies, NGOs, foundations and thought leaders come together to support and work with a tangible approach to sustainability. With a focus on readily available solutions, Sustainia’s mission is to mature markets and sectors for sustainable products and services. The work of Sustainia equips decision makers, CEOs and citizens with the solutions, arguments, visions, facts and network needed to accelerate sustainable transformation in sectors, industries and our everyday life.
Our work includes:
Identifying innovative and sustainable solutions from around the world readily available for implementation
Giving talks and inspiring presentations about the attractive sustainable future we could achieve with available solutions
Publishing guides to sustainable practices within cities and a wide range of sectors
Arranging workshop on sustainable living and megatrends in sustainability
Creating sector alliances and facilitate network between companies, scientists, organizations and civil society working with sustainability
With Sustainia, we are creating a vision of what a sustainable future could look like. Not Utopia or a distant dream. Building on scenarios where available solutions, innovation and technologies are implemented at large scale, Sustainia demonstrates the exciting sustainable societies we could live in. www.sustainia.me
About BYD
BYD Co., Ltd is a leading-edge provider of green energy technologies that specializes in the IT, automotive, and new energy industries. Being the world’s biggest rechargeable battery manufacturer, BYD also has the largest global market share for cell-phone chargers and keypads. BYD branched out into the auto business in 2003, and has kept a robust yearly growth rate successively. In 2008, Warren Buffett invested $232 million to take a 9.89% stake in BYD. Today, BYD is the fastest-growing Chinese auto company and a global pioneer in the field of new energy vehicles including Dual Mode Electric Models and Pure Electric Models.
Based on its core Fe Battery technology, BYD has worked out a Green City Solution, which aims to electrify urban public transportation systems by transitioning from gasoline and diesel buses and taxis to pure electric ones. In March 2012, BYD and Daimler AG officially announced the entirely new EV brand Denza in China.
In addition, BYD has also focused on the Research & Development and manufacturing of a wide range of new energy products, including energy storage system, solar energy products and LED lighting. For more information, please visit www.byd.com, www.bydeurope.com, www.facebook.com/bydcompany, or [email protected].
This article is a repost, credit: BYD. Image courtesy of BYD
eBus will serve Route 2, which runs between Star Ferry Bus Terminus and So Uk, in the morning and evening peak hours for one month. Photo courtesy of Kowloon Motor Bus
Introduced by KMB, eBus, Hong Kong’s first ever franchised battery-powered electric bus, will be put into service this afternoon (9 September, 2013). The start of its passenger service on Route 2 between Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Bus Terminus and So Uk marks a zero-emission milestone for KMB and takes the Hong Kong public bus industry to new heights in environmental protection.
The kick-off ceremony for the maiden trip of eBus was held at Star Ferry Bus Terminus, Tsim Sha Tsui, this morning, officiated by Mr. Wong Kam Sing, JP, Secretary for the Environment. “Today marks an important day as Hong Kong runs its first franchised electric bus for use by the public. To protect public health and improve air quality, especially roadside air quality, the Environment Bureau unveiled ‘A Clean Air Plan for Hong Kong’ in March. The plan, outlining various measures to improve air quality, includes subsidizing franchised bus companies to retrofit some 1,400 Euro II and Euro III franchised buses with selective catalytic reduction devices. Moreover, the Government has allocated $180 million to fund the franchised bus companies, including KMB, to procure 36 electric buses for trial in different bus routes,” said Mr. Wong after the ceremony.
Meanwhile, Mr. Edmond Ho, KMB Managing Director, said, “Serving Hong Kong for 80 years in the pursuit of excellence, KMB has always been committed to introducing the latest bus technologies. Following the introduction of the first double-decker in 1949 and the world’s first super-low floor air-conditioned double-decker in 1997, KMB now presents the zero-emission eBus, signifying a big stride forward in its efforts towards continuous improvement and opening a new chapter for Hong Kong public bus services.”
Photo courtesy of KMB
Jointly developed by KMB and the manufacturer, the single-deck eBus, 12 metres long, has a maximum capacity of 66 passengers and is capable of running at a speed of around 70 km per hour. eBus is powered by lithium iron phosphate batteries. eBus takes only about three hours to be fully charged by means of a cable in the charging station of the bus depots, which is plugged into the eBus socket. When fully charged, eBus can travel distances of more than 180 km.
To ensure eBus matches KMB’s existing bus fleet, the manufacturer adopted a number of imported components in its design, such as the front-axle, steering system, air-conditioning system, bus gates, passenger seats, floor, bus body paint and related components. All these components meet European standards as well as KMB’s strict standards for its vehicles. Having been licensed by the Transport Department, eBus is a franchised bus for the provision of passenger services in Hong Kong.
In terms of safety, the manufacturer has equipped eBus with several specially designed enhanced features. The battery-monitoring system allows bus captains to check the voltage, current and temperature of each battery and turn off the electricity supply if necessary. In addition, the electricity supply will automatically be turned off if any abnormality is detected. Further, at the request of KMB, steel plates with a melting point of 1,300 degrees Celsius have been installed on the battery box for fire resistance.
After eBus arrived in Hong Kong in September 2012, KMB trialed it for more than seven months with no passengers on board, focusing on driving range, reliability, durability, battery performance, battery management systems, and motor and mechanical performance, as well as driving performance in different weather and road conditions. In May 2013, KMB further trialed it by arranging for it to operate as a staff shuttle, running between Lai Chi Kok Depot and KMB Headquarters. So far about 20,000 staff passenger trips have been made on eBus.
To further assess its performance on one of the busiest roads in Hong Kong, KMB will run eBus on Route 2, which runs between Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Bus Terminus and So Uk via Nathan Road, in the morning and evening peak hours for one month, starting this afternoon (Monday, 9 September). KMB will then review the operational performance of eBus and decide the next phase of the trial.
KMB will purchase eight supercapacitor buses and ten battery-powered buses funded by the Government through a tendering process. The buses are expected to start serving the public in the second half of 2014. KMB will then analyse the data and work out a set of requirements for battery-powered buses that can best fit the operational and passenger needs in Hong Kong.
Details of eBus
Bus Body
12 metres (L) x 2.55 metres (W) x 3.36 metres (H)
Model
Single-deck air-conditioned bus
Maximum Capacity
66 passengers
Maximum speed
around 70km per hour
Gradeability
16%
Operating principle
eBus is an electric bus powered by a lithium iron phosphate battery. This battery is the same size as a lead-acid battery, but has quadruple the electric energy storage, quarter the weight, a 4-times faster charging time and a 6-times longer life span. The chemical substances in the battery are converted into electrical energy and vice versa during discharging and charging. The battery, contains no heavy metals, can also capture energy from regenerative braking, making it more efficient in terms of electricity consumption per km.
Charging method
The bus takes only about 3 hours for a full charge, which will usually take place at the depot at night. To charge, a cable from the charging cabinet is plugged into the eBus socket.
Longest travelling distance when fully charged
More than 180 km* (the actual driving range depends on the usage of the air-conditioning system)
Midway charging time (if applicable)
No charging station is needed midway
Roadside emission
Zero
*the distance from Tsim Sha Tsui toTai Po (at least 7 single journeys)
This article is a repost, credit: Kowloon Motor Bus Co.
All Electric BYD Bus Photo courtesy of New York MTA
Subway trains aren’t the only mass transit vehicles running on electricity these days. MTA New York City Transit is currently testing a new design of an all-electric bus. Scheduled to run for two months, the testing will evaluate the feasibility of using an all-electric vehicle along some of the City’s busiest bus routes.
The all-electric bus runs strictly on a bank of electric powered batteries that can be charged and ready for service in as few as four hours. “This test continues the MTA’s commitment to examine new, cleaner and more efficient bus propulsion technologies that include Hybrids, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Clean Diesel and now potentially all electric battery drive,” said Darryl Irick, President of MTA Bus and SVP, MTA NYC Transit’s Department of Buses.
The test will determine if this type of bus can meet the twin challenges of operating in the stop and go traffic of Manhattan while maintaining high levels of passenger comfort and operational performance.
BYD electric bus Photo courtesy of New York MTA
The current version of the bus has a stated operating range of 150 miles, according to manufacturer, BYD. The bus features a new battery technology of iron phosphate which promises to be more rugged. The idea that sparks the electric bus is a promise of a quieter, more energy efficient and cleaner bus with absolutely zero emissions.
This continues the recent testing of all-electric buses for New York City Transit, initiated with the testing of a bus from Complete Coachworks earlier this year. Although all-electric buses may not be practical for every type of operation, with these tests we hope to prove their practicality and efficiency for certain Manhattan routes.
Israel’s leading bus operator, Dan Bus Company, today starts operation of the country’s first full size electric bus, the BYD ebus. Dan will be using the bus on Line 5 in Tel Aviv starting today. The operator expects to fully integrate the ebus into its normal operation since its range on a single charge of 250km in normal urban conditions plus the ability to recharge in four to five hours will match its normal service requirements.
The introduction of the BYD ebus – the first full size pure electric bus to enter passenger carrying service – into the Dan fleet is significant since Dan is planning to invest €85 million on electric buses over the next five years, meaning that 25% of its fleet will be emissions free. Dan notes that the maintenance costs for electric buses are 25% lower than for diesel buses, with the price of electricity per kilometre being one third of the cost of diesel.
The BYD ebus is being imported to Israel by Clal Motors, a wholly owned subsidiary of Clal Industries. Use of the electric bus will lead to operational efficiency and tremendous savings in current expenses throughout the life cycle of the vehicle, particular as diesel fuel is not required. Additionally, the electric bus offers important advantages in the city as it is quiet and is virtually non-polluting.
Michael Nagar, Chairman of Dan, and CEO Shmuel Refaeli, said at today’s inauguration ceremony: “Today we mark a new era in the vision of public transportation being led by Dan. The quiet and comfort of travel in the electric bus hails a revolution in consumer experience, and we plan on offering this experience to all Dan passengers around the country. We thank Clal Motors and BYD for this strategic cooperation. We wish everybody a safe and quiet ride.”
Doron Vadai, CEO of Clal Motors said, “Public transportation based on electric buses is part of Clal’s and BYD’s vision of the green city, which includes electric buses and cars, generation of electricity through solar energy and use of energy-efficient LED lights. We are delighted to be partners in Dan’s implementation of the vision in Tel Aviv.”
Isbrand Ho, BYD Europe’s Managing Director, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Dan Bus and Clal Motors to bring our green technology to Israel for the first time. We are confident that our ebus will bring welcome environmental and cost benefits to Tel Aviv’s bus fleet”.
Dan currently operates close to 1,300 buses and hundreds of minibuses in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area. Dan is considered a pioneer in setting urban public transportation standards in Israel and worldwide, with the introduction of the low-floor interior buses to Israel, which over time have become the standard for urban public transportation operators.
Photo courtesy of BYD
Comfort of journey and fuel savings
The BYD ebus delivers a host of benefits not only for the environment but also for the public transport and the bus operator. It does not emit any harmful fumes into the environment. What is more, it is very quiet and ensures a comfortable journey without the vibrations, jerks or noise associated with the conventional buses with combustion engines.
Zero emission
The BYD ebus is an all-electric vehicle. It does not emit harmful fumes into environment. This pure electric solution guarantees an appropriate range of the bus no matter what the road conditions.
The BYD ebus is a unique vehicle, from the start it was built as an electric bus and not a converted bus from a conventional power unit. What is more, it features appropriate weight distribution, thanks to the smart utilization of the battery weight, and that is why it has great level of driveability. The ebus also has a well-developed system of energy recovery, which allows the batteries to be recharged during braking.
250 km on one charge
The BYD ebus can drive for 250 km even in heavy city traffic after one full charge (although, a BYD ebus recently covered well over 300km on a single charge in Poland). This is the longest range of any electric bus. Charging time depends on the applied charger.
Pure electric BYD buses have been used in public transport since 2011. In China already 1,000 such buses have been built in the city of Shenzhen, 200 BYD electric buses have together accumulated almost 18 million km in passenger carrying service. In the first quarter of 2013 the BYD ebus obtained full European certification. This allowed the company to start selling buses on the European market. The Dutch province of Friesland is the first place in Europe where BYD electric buses are in use.
BYD ebus
The ebus built by BYD, is the first pure-electric bus powered by Iron-Phosphate battery in the world. More than 250 BYD ebuses are now in passenger carrying operations – by far the largest number from any bus brand. BYD ebus measures 12 meters long and is designed for customer transport comfort in mind. The technically advanced and specially designed wheel-hub motor, and its electronically controlled air suspension can offer customers a product with an exceptionally low floor, multiple door choices, and ample floor space for easy passenger access.
The imposing windscreen occupies two thirds of the frontal area of the bus for maximum viewing as well as safety. The bus body conveys an elegant exterior image, while the interior boasts an air of quality with adjustable driver’s seat, durable seats for passengers and a carefully engineered sound insulation keeping the interior ride whisper quiet.
BYD’s pure electric bus employs many advanced technologies developed in-house by BYD’s 15,000 engineers strong R&D team. For example, the Iron-Phosphate battery or “Fe Battery” used on the BYD ebus is safe and non-polluting: the materials contained in the battery can be recycled or safely disposed of.
BYD ebus Project
Orders have been awarded in China, the Netherlands, Finland, Denmark, Uruguay, Canada and the United States. The BYD electric bus has also been successfully tested in many cities in Europe including Madrid, Barcelona, Budapest, Salzburg, and etc. The accumulated mileage of the 200 electric buses operating in the city of Shenzhen, China alone have exceeded 18 million kilometers (or 11.4 million miles) by the end of July 2013.
BYD ebus Highlights
Environmentally friendly
No direct emissions
Low noise
Recyclable Fe battery: no toxic electrolytes and no heavy metals
Advanced technology
Regenerative Braking
Wheel-hub motor
Fe battery
Charging convenience
Fully charged in 5 hours.
Extended range
The BYD ebus is able to run 250 km (155 miles ) on a single charge in urban conditions Safety
Unibody construction
4-wheel disc brakes
ABS and ASR
Passenger-oriented design
Airy designed interior space with low-entry
Special ramps for wheelchair access
Non-step passenger cabin
Wheel-hub Motor
The in-house developed rear drive axle installed on the BYD ebus is the core technology in BYD’s electric buses. The rear drive axle system integrates the wheel-hub drive and regenerative braking technologies, and at the same time, provides exceptional passenger comfort.
Compared to the conventional motor, the rear drive axle system has no gear box, no transmission shaft, and eliminating differential mechanism, therefore BYD is able to cut down the bus weight by 300kg and also greatly saving space. Thanks to the revolutionary design, power from the motor is directly transmitted to the driving wheels, there are significant improvements in power propulsion efficiency and reductions in noise and vibration.
Charging Facilities
The on-board AC charging technology developed by BYD is unique to the electric bus, requiring only 5 hours to fully recharge the BYD ebus.
Since the AC charging system has a direct connection to the grid, it can charge not only the batteries but correspondingly, in an emergency, transmit power back onto the grid from the batteries, for example, in a black out situation.
On-board AC charging system advantages:
Independent of charging stations.
Charging box is much smaller and lighter, and more convenient to transport than a conventional charging cabinet.
Low maintenance costs.
Suitable for various locations; easy to operate.
Charging is both safe and pollution free, therefore charging box can be installed in the building without concerns for hydrogen gas emission.
Operators are encouraged to take advantage of the off-peak hours in the evening to charge the vehicles reducing demand pressure on the grid.
Electricity can be transmitted back onto the grid from the on-board batteries, when necessary, for emergency power supply.
AC charging system is more cost-effective than DC charging system.
About BYD
BYD Co., Ltd is a leading-edge provider of green energy technologies that specializes in the IT, automotive, and new energy industries. Being the world’s biggest rechargeable battery manufacturer, BYD also has the largest global market share for cell-phone chargers and keypads. BYD branched out into the auto business in 2003, and has kept a robust yearly growth rate successively. In 2008, Warren Buffett invested $232 million to take a 9.89% stake in BYD. Today, BYD is the fastest-growing Chinese auto company and a global pioneer in the field of new energy vehicles including Dual Mode Electric Models and Pure Electric Models.
Based on its core Fe Battery technology, BYD has worked out a Green City Solution, which aims to electrify urban public transportation systems by transitioning from gasoline and diesel buses and taxis to pure electric ones. In March 2012, BYD and Daimler AG officially announced the entirely new EV brand Denza in China.
In addition, BYD has also focused on the Research & Development and manufacturing of a wide range of new energy products, including energy storage system, solar energy products and LED lighting. For more information, please visit www.byd.com, www.bydeurope.com, www.facebook.com/bydcompany, or [email protected].
This article is a repost, credit: BYD, http://www.byd.com/na/news/newslist.html.
Fast growing automotive supplier BYD has scored a major victory – it has been selected to supply a new fleet of electric buses to transfer passengers between the terminals and aircraft at Europe’s leading airport, Amsterdam Schiphol. The emission free BYD ebus models, due to enter service in July 2014, will replace an ageing fleet of specialised conventionally powered buses.
The SUBSS Project (SUstainable Bus System Schiphol) aims to provide a new generation of emission free airside transfer vehicles which will enhance the airport’s image with passengers and airlines, reduce bus maintenance and management costs and improve air quality by reducing the emission of CO2 and NOx.
The order, won through competitive tender in the face of intense pressure from four other established suppliers, is a major triumph for BYD since Amsterdam’s leading position makes it a role model in the airport industry. All European airports are facing pressures to cut harmful emissions.
BYD ebus Image courtesy of BYD
The BYD ebus is a well proven full size single deck bus which has completed more than 17 million kilometres in passenger carrying services and has been trialled in major cities across Europe.
BYD, which has its European headquarters in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, is rolling out a wide range of pure electric vehicles, including buses and taxis, as part of its Green City Solutions programme. All these vehicles use the company’s advanced and environmentally friendly iron-phosphate Fe batteries for their power.
Jos Nijhuis, CEO & President Schiphol Group: “Amsterdam Airport Schiphol will be the first airport in the world making bus transport at airside electric. After a European open tender, the contract was awarded to the best bid in terms of quality, energy performance and price. The switch to electric buses will help us in creating a healthier and more pleasant environment for travellers and employees alike. The buses will be put into operation in 2014, making transportation at the airport more environmentally friendly and more sustainable.”
“Winning this contract is a vital step in our programme to deliver emissions free public transport vehicles”, said Isbrand Ho, BYD Europe’s Managing Director. “We won this contract on the strength of our proven technology and ability to support what is a 10-year operating contract. We are fully confident that this high-profile contract will persuade many other bus operators – inside and outside the airport business – that we can meet their needs.”
The motivation behind the Schiphol SUBSS project is complex. Some of the current buses are approaching the end of their technical service life, mainly because of wear and tear of the fossil fuel engines which rarely reach optimal operating temperatures on short journeys from terminal to aircraft. This results in high maintenance costs and poor emissions performance. Research has shown that passengers consider the inhaling of emissions to be very annoying. The current buses have also proved to be too big at 14 metres long and 2.7 metres wide for the Schiphol airside infrastructure, resulting in regular accidental damage.
The emissions free BYD ebus is 12m metres long – the same size as normal buses operating on city streets.
Comfort of journey and fuel savings
The BYD ebus delivers a host of benefits not only for the environment but also for the public transport and the bus operator. It does not emit any harmful fumes into the environment. What is more, it is very quiet and ensures a comfortable journey without the vibrations, jerks or noise associated with the conventional buses with combustion engines.
Zero emission
The BYD ebus is an all-electric vehicle. It does not emit harmful fumes into environment. This pure electric solution guarantees an appropriate range of the bus no matter what the road conditions.
The BYD ebus is a unique vehicle, from the start it was built as an electric bus and not a converted bus from a conventional power unit. What is more, it features appropriate weight distribution, thanks to the smart utilization of the battery weight, and that is why it has great level of driveability. The ebus also has a well-developed system of energy recovery, which allows the batteries to be recharged during braking.
250 km on one charge
The BYD ebus can drive for 250 km even in heavy city traffic after one full charge. Although, as a recent test journey achieving 310km and using only 60% of the battery charge in Poland showed, this may be a conservative figure.
Pure electric BYD buses have been used in public transport since 2011. In China already 1,000 such buses have been built in the city of Shenzhen, 200 BYD electric buses have together accumulated 17 million km in passenger carrying service. In the first quarter of 2013 the BYD ebus obtained full European certification. This allowed the company to start selling buses on the European market. The Dutch province of Friesland is the first place in Europe where BYD electric buses are in use.
BYD ebus
The ebus built by BYD, is the first pure-electric bus powered by Iron-Phosphate battery in the world. More than 250 BYD ebuses are now in passenger carrying operations – by far the largest number from any bus brand. BYD ebus measures 12 meters long and is designed for customer transport comfort in mind. The technically advanced and specially designed wheel-hub motor, and its electronically controlled air suspension can offer customers a product with an exceptionally low floor, multiple door choices, and ample floor space for easy passenger access.
The imposing windscreen occupies two thirds of the frontal area of the bus for maximum viewing as well as safety. The bus body conveys an elegant exterior image, while the interior boasts an air of quality with adjustable driver’s seat, durable seats for passengers and a carefully engineered sound insulation keeping the interior ride whisper quiet.
BYD’s pure electric bus employs many advanced technologies developed in-house by BYD’s 15,000 engineers strong R&D team. For example, the Iron-Phosphate battery or “Fe Battery” used on the BYD ebus is safe and non-polluting: the materials contained in the battery can be recycled or safely disposed of.
BYD ebus Project
Orders have been awarded in China, the Netherlands, Finland, Denmark, Uruguay, Canada and the United States. The BYD electric bus has also been successfully tested in many cities in Europe including Madrid, Barcelona, Budapest, Salzburg, and etc. The accumulated mileage of the 200 electric buses operating in the city of Shenzhen (China) alone have exceeded 17 million kilometers by the end of June 2013.
BYD ebus Highlights
Environmentally friendly
No direct emissions • Low noise • Recyclable Fe battery: no toxic electrolytes and no heavy metals
Advanced technology
Regenerative Braking • Wheel-hub motor • Fe battery • Charging convenience • Fully charged in 5 hours.
Extended range
The BYD ebus is able to run 250 km (155 miles ) on a single charge in urban conditions
Safety
Unibody construction • 4-wheel disc brakes • ABS and ASR
Passenger-oriented design
Airy designed interior space with low-entry • Special ramps for wheelchair access • Non-step passenger cabin
Wheel-hub Motor
The in-house developed rear drive axle installed on the BYD ebus is the core technology in BYD’s electric buses. The rear drive axle system integrates the wheel-hub drive and regenerative braking technologies, and at the same time, provides exceptional passenger comfort.
Compared to the conventional motor, the rear drive axle system has no gear box, no transmission shaft, and eliminating differential mechanism. Therefore, BYD is able to cut down the bus weight by 300kg and also greatly saving space. Thanks to the revolutionary design, power from the motor is directly transmitted to the driving wheels. There are significant improvements in power propulsion efficiency and reductions in noise and vibration.
Charging Facilities
The on-board AC charging technology developed by BYD is unique to the electric bus, requiring only 5 hours to fully recharge the BYD ebus.
Since the AC charging system has a direct connection to the grid, it can charge not only the batteries but correspondingly, in an emergency, transmit power back onto the grid from the batteries, for example, in a black out situation.
On-board AC charging system advantages:
Independent of charging stations.
Charging box is much smaller and lighter, and more convenient to transport than a conventional charging cabinet.
Low maintenance costs.
Suitable for various locations; easy to operate.
Charging is both safe and pollution free, therefore charging box can be installed in the building without concerns for hydrogen gas emission..
Operators are encouraged to take advantage of the off-peak hours in the evening to charge the vehicles reducing demand pressure on the grid.
Electricity can be transmitted back onto the grid from the on-board batteries, when necessary, for emergency power supply.
AC charging system is more cost-effective than DC charging system.
This article is a repost, credit: BYD, http://www.byd.com/na/news/news-169.html.
