BYD hopes to replace London's double-deckers with its own electric buses

RahulNagaraj · 22nd May 2024, 15:56

Chinese automaker BYD has introduced its BD11 double-decker electric bus in the UK.

The new double-decker electric bus comes with a massive 532 kWh battery pack - the largest in any commercial vehicle in the UK. With a usable capacity of 457 kWh, BYD claims the bus can travel with 0.9 miles per kWh of efficiency, giving it a range of a little over 400 miles.

BYD hopes to replace London's double-deckers with its own electric buses-byddoubledeckerebus1.jpg

The battery system is modular, which means that operators can alter it to fit the usage of the vehicle. BYD uses its trademark Blade battery technology and claims that it can remain in operation for 12-20 years. In addition, the battery is a structural component in the brand's new commercial vehicle platform, called e-Platform 3.0.

BYD hopes to replace London's double-deckers with its own electric buses-byddoubledeckerebus2.jpg

While BYD is tight-lipped about the exact objectives of the bus, Frank Thorpe, Commercial Vehicle Managing Director of BYD UK, stated that they "hope" it will replace the current Routemaster to become the default London Bus.

BYD hopes to replace London's double-deckers with its own electric buses-byddoubledeckerebus3.jpg

The Routemaster, a 13-year-old hybrid double-decker bus, popularly known as "Boris Bus", went out of production in 2017. It is due to be phased out in the coming years, in line with the city's goal of having an all-electric bus fleet by 2030.

BYD hopes to replace London's double-deckers with its own electric buses-byddoubledeckerebus4.jpg

Thorpe, stated, "We genuinely believe it's a game-changing product in terms of its efficiency, safety and commercial appeal. We believe it's going to be significant." He further added, "We've had a fantastic reaction from operators and stakeholders – the Department for Transport, Transport for London – and we're now going to prove what we say. That's the key: we can say all sorts, but we've got to prove that is the best bus for the UK public, taxpayers and stakeholders."

The Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT) predicted that the UK's bus market will be the first vehicle sector to decarbonise. It stated, "Buses are leading Britain's race to transport decarbonisation as Europe's biggest market for the very greenest road passenger vehicles." It further mentioned, "The benefits, from improved local air quality and reduced noise pollution to a more enjoyable passenger experience, are unevenly distributed."

Source: Autocar UK

Link to Team-BHP news

ads11 · 28th May 2024, 20:30

I thought I recognised one of these. I drove past one of these on the motorway a few weeks ago, clearly fresh out the factory given I could see factory wrappings on various bits and bobs. Was surprised to see this on the motorway but figured it was being ferried somewhere.

Not sure I'm a fan of that peaked brow above the front windshield, looks a bit odd. I'm sure ultimately it'll be another effective cog in the TfL's bus fleet. They already have quite a few electric busses that aren't the new Routemasters, as in look like a traditional double decker like above.

22nd May 2024, 15:56	#1
RahulNagaraj Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: Bangalore Posts: 2,360 Thanked: 22,569 Times	BYD hopes to replace London's double-deckers with its own electric buses Chinese automaker BYD has introduced its BD11 double-decker electric bus in the UK. The new double-decker electric bus comes with a massive 532 kWh battery pack - the largest in any commercial vehicle in the UK. With a usable capacity of 457 kWh, BYD claims the bus can travel with 0.9 miles per kWh of efficiency, giving it a range of a little over 400 miles. The battery system is modular, which means that operators can alter it to fit the usage of the vehicle. BYD uses its trademark Blade battery technology and claims that it can remain in operation for 12-20 years. In addition, the battery is a structural component in the brand's new commercial vehicle platform, called e-Platform 3.0. While BYD is tight-lipped about the exact objectives of the bus, Frank Thorpe, Commercial Vehicle Managing Director of BYD UK, stated that they "hope" it will replace the current Routemaster to become the default London Bus. The Routemaster, a 13-year-old hybrid double-decker bus, popularly known as "Boris Bus", went out of production in 2017. It is due to be phased out in the coming years, in line with the city's goal of having an all-electric bus fleet by 2030. Thorpe, stated, "We genuinely believe it's a game-changing product in terms of its efficiency, safety and commercial appeal. We believe it's going to be significant." He further added, "We've had a fantastic reaction from operators and stakeholders – the Department for Transport, Transport for London – and we're now going to prove what we say. That's the key: we can say all sorts, but we've got to prove that is the best bus for the UK public, taxpayers and stakeholders." The Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT) predicted that the UK's bus market will be the first vehicle sector to decarbonise. It stated, "Buses are leading Britain's race to transport decarbonisation as Europe's biggest market for the very greenest road passenger vehicles." It further mentioned, "The benefits, from improved local air quality and reduced noise pollution to a more enjoyable passenger experience, are unevenly distributed." Source: Autocar UK Link to Team-BHP news
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28th May 2024, 20:30	#2
ads11 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Leeds Posts: 1,028 Thanked: 2,468 Times	Re: BYD hopes to replace London's double-deckers with its own electric buses I thought I recognised one of these. I drove past one of these on the motorway a few weeks ago, clearly fresh out the factory given I could see factory wrappings on various bits and bobs. Was surprised to see this on the motorway but figured it was being ferried somewhere. Not sure I'm a fan of that peaked brow above the front windshield, looks a bit odd. I'm sure ultimately it'll be another effective cog in the TfL's bus fleet. They already have quite a few electric busses that aren't the new Routemasters, as in look like a traditional double decker like above.
	() Thanks