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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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Purchase of 60 New Electric Trolley Buses Moves Forward

March 11, 2014 in Electric Bus, Electric Vehicles, EV News, Sustainable San Francisco

SFMTA Director of Transportation Ed Reiskin at Feb. 27, 2014 SFMTA Budget Town Hall Meeting The vast majority of San Francisco did not budget time for the meeting.

SFMTA Director of Transportation Ed Reiskin at Feb. 27, 2014 SFMTA Budget Town Hall Meeting
The vast majority of San Francisco did not budget time for the meeting.

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), which manages transportation in the city, today announced that the Notice to Proceed has been issued for the purchase of 60 new electric trolley buses from New Flyer Industries, following approval from the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and SFMTA Board of Directors. The new vehicles will replace buses currently in service that are over 20 years old and account for 40 percent of system wide delays, due to mechanical issues. Notice to Proceed allows the SFMTA to move forward with the first phase of upgrades to the trolley fleet, as there are more than 300 buses that need to be replaced over the next several years.

“Replacing aging vehicles will help improve Muni’s reliability and performance,” said Mayor Ed Lee. “San Francisco deserves a safe, reliable and affordable 21st Century transit system, and these sustainable upgrades will improve service for our City’s working families and workforce for many years to come.”

“Vehicle shortages and reliability are one of Muni’s main challenges in terms of providing dependable transit service. We need more vehicles, and we need to replace aging vehicles – many far past their useful life – with newer vehicles. This procurement is a key step in the renewal of our aging fleet,” said Supervisor Wiener, District 8.

Trolley buses are the backbone of the transportation system carrying 200,000 riders every day. They serve neighborhoods throughout San Francisco with 14 routes including the 1 California, 14 Mission, 5 Fulton and 30 Stockton, which alone carries 32,000 riders daily. Not only do trolley buses offer a smoother, quieter ride but they contribute zero greenhouse gases.

“The people of San Francisco deserve modern, reliable transportation services that support the quality of life and economic vitality of the city,” said SFMTA Director of Transportation Ed Reiskin. “By investing in new, high-performing, quiet and green electric trolley vehicles, we are able to provide better options for moving around the city.”

In order to expedite the purchasing process, the SFMTA joined a current, competitively bid vehicle contract with King County Metro in Washington State and New Flyer Inc. Under this agreement, King County Metro assigned 240 standard and 93 articulated option buses under their existing contract with New Flyer, Inc. to the SFMTA. In order to make an initial purchase of 60 articulated trolley buses, the SFMTA has negotiated a separate agreement with New Flyer that takes into account specific needs such as: color scheme, seat material, door sizes, training and spare parts.

The total cost of the purchase is $94,950,444 and is funded through federal, state and local support, including Proposition K funds. The SFMTA expects to have a prototype on the road in 2015.

The SFMTA is aggressively pursuing replacement and rehabilitation programs on all buses, light rail vehicles and historic street cars. With more people travelling throughout the city on a daily basis, more stress is being placed on the outdated transit system. Programs like these will help update the fleet and accommodate plans for more development and growth in San Francisco.

This article is a repost, credit: City of San Francisco.

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BYD ebus selected for best transportation solution in the Top 10 Sustainable Innovation for 2013

September 27, 2013 in BYD, Electric Bus, Electric Vehicles, EV News

BYD Electric Bus Image courtesy of BYD

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

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The Department of Transport in Abu Dhabi Debuts Region’s First Fully Electric Bus in Metropolitan

September 23, 2013 in Electric Bus, Electric Vehicles, EV News

Trial electric bus can go for estimated 200 km when fully charged. Image courtesy of Abu Dhabi Department of Transportation

Trial electric bus can go for estimated 200 km when fully charged.
Image courtesy of Abu Dhabi Department of Transportation

As part of its endeavours to promote sustainable transport, the Department of Transport (DoT) Abu Dhabi commenced trial operation of the first electric bus, which will be running in various places in the Metropolitan Abu Dhabi and its suburbs for more than six months.

Photo courtesy of Abu Dhabi Department of Transportation

Photo courtesy of Abu Dhabi Department of Transportation

The Ankai-branded bus, is a standard city bus that is fully electric (not hybrid) using a plug-in technology, which is the most cost-effective, from total cost of ownership perspective, option for the battery usage compared to other methods: battery change or enroute charging. This battery can reach 80% of capacity within 3 hours and 99% in four hours. Each full charge has an estimated range of 200 km.

Mr. Saeed Mohammed Fadel Al Hameli, Vice Chairman UITPMENA Board and Advisor Surface Transport and Acting Director Organizational Development Division at the Department of Transport, said: “The trial operation of the electric bus is in line with the DoT’s sustainable transport strategy and aimed to ascertain the total cost of ownership, gain a firsthand insight of benefits offered the service users, whilst studying and assessing the best and most efficient buses and technologies that fit with Abu Dhabi’s operating conditions and atmosphere of Abu Dhabi. The bus will be subject to internal performance assessment via different routes and trip scenarios such as city-based urban frequent start-stop profiles and suburb profiles before selecting the most feasible specifications.”

“This electric bus functions and operates like any normal bus expect that it is noiseless and accelerates faster. In order to prepare well, four selected drivers will be trained by the manufacturer and the distributor on the performance of the bus, thereby giving us the hands-on its features and how air-conditioning and other supporting system will drain on its battery”, he added.

The DoT recently concluded a feasibility five-phased study on alternative fuels. It aims to develop strategies and methods promoting clean transportation culture, look into allocations of resources for sustainable development of transportation needs, identify strategies related to alternative fuels use, and review the use of alternative fuels solutions on local policies and review case studies related to alternative fuel use in cars and vehicle UAE-wide. Other objectives encompassed studying pollution and emission reduction technologies, providing recommendations for the conversion of existing vehicles and implementation of new low/zero emission vehicles, recommending the basic framework of phasing low/zero emission into new legislations, as well as future steps for implementations.

The alternative fuels strategy is being implemented in five phases: air quality study and pollution control technology for vehicles, cost-benefit analysis of alternative fuels and options such as EGR/SCR, CNG Trial, electric trial and hydrogen and fuel cells, transit strategies study covering Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), bus priority, park and ride and zero-emission zones. The fourth stage before the launch of the alternative fuel strategy is the awareness and legislation, promoting awareness amongst stakeholders as well as emission standards and related legislation enforcement.

This article is a repost, credit: Abu Dhabi Department of Transportation.

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Electric Buses Complete Testing Program in Colombia

September 22, 2013 in BYD, Electric Bus, Electric Vehicles, EV News

BYD Electric Bus Photo courtesy of BYD

BYD Electric Bus
Photo courtesy of BYD

Bogotá, Colombia –September 19th, 2013: The Sistemas Sustentables and ISSRC have released third-party test results from Bogota Colombia announcing the BYD electric bus Andino-12 (the 40 foot BYD all-electric bus) had successfully concluded two weeks of intensive testing and evaluation. The general purpose of the program was to carry out operational testing to determine electric-bus feasibility in Bogota’s Integrated Public Transport System. The BYD Andino-12 electric bus had a carrying capacity of 80 passengers with a specified range of over 250 km.

The testing was carried out in Bogota on a route specified by Transmilenio S.A. Shown in the figure below, the test route covered around 700 km with a total testing time of 40 hours under various traffic conditions, road surfaces and gradients. The tests were carried out under two different load conditions (full load and 70% loaded), according to the various protocols and manuals.

Map courtesy of BYD

Map courtesy of BYD

Image courtesy of BYD

Image courtesy of BYD

The Andino 12’s average performance on route was 1.13 km/kWh (exceeding even BYD’s specifications of 1 km/kWh). In terms of passenger perceived noise, the average values obtained were considerably below the Colombian standards, 61.44 dB and 66.87dB with the windows closed and open (the maximum standard in Colombia is 80 dBA). When the bus is stopped, it does not generate any noise since the motor parts are static (i.e. it does not have an idling mode like a traditional internal combustion engine). The results obtained fell well within required values set in the Colombian standard (daily limit of 50 μg/ m36), regardless of whether the vehicle circulates with the windows closed or open (20.2 and 31.8 μg/m3 respectively). The bus did not present any problems in terms of range and regeneration and was completely reliable. The single-charge range of the Andino 12 was confirmed between 270 and 280 km, which complies with Bogota requirements for operating within the system.

Last October, BYD’s electric bus participated in the C40 Hybrid & Electric Bus Test Program in Colombia. This event is endorsed by The Clinton Climate Initiative (CCI) and InterAmerican Development Bank (IABD). For more information see this link: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20121006005032/en/Bus-Technology-Comparisons-Released-Clinton-Climate-Initiative.

About SISTEMAS SUSTENTABLES

Sustainable Systems Consultant Company Limited is an organization dedicated to applied research and development projects related to Environment, Energy and Technology Innovation. Nationally, the company operates as Sustainable Systems, while internationally the term used ISSRC-LA (International Sustainable Systems Research Center Latin America). This society is composed of professionals with graduate level Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, with extensive experience in projects for public and private institutions in Chile and abroad. For more information, visit www.sistemas-sustentables.com.

About ISSRC (International Sustainable Systems Research Center)

ISSRC is a nonprofit institution established in California, USA, which works with developing countries in Asia, Africa and America. Their main objectivs are to educate to achieve sustainability goals including research and development of various methodological approaches and technologies for environmentally sustainable economic growth. ISSRC is closely linked to Sustainable Systems through ISSRC-LA collaborating actively in international projects and outreach publications jointly by these institutions. For further background on ISSRC www.issrc.org address.

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.

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Hong Kong’s First Franchised Battery-Powered Electric Bus (eBus) on Maiden Trip

September 17, 2013 in BYD, China, Electric Bus, Electric Vehicles

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

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

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.

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