BYD's New Double Decker Bus Enters London's Transport System

Established in 2013, BYD UK provides electric cars, pure electric buses, forklifts, solar panels, energy storage, and related after-sales services. Its new energy vehicle footprint covers six continents, over 70 countries and regions, and over 400 cities. BYD's BD11 is now entering the London transport system, contributing to eco-friendly public transportation.

"BYD is committed to technological innovation and spearheading the global transition towards eco-conscious public transportation," comments Frank Thorpe, Managing Director of BYD UK Commercial Vehicles, who joined the group in 2016. "The BYD BD11 will play a pivotal role in reducing air pollution in London and, soon after, achieving the UK's wider carbon neutrality goals."

BYD BD11: A game changer for London's public transport

The new BYD BD11 double-decker bus is set to replace London's iconic Routemaster, offering a maximum range of more than 400 miles and high levels of passenger comfort.

Launch and milestones

At the time of the launch at the London Bus Museum, the BYD BD11 arrives 11 years after BYD first launched a bus in the UK. This debut follows the delivery of its 1800th bus in the UK, with the fleet having accumulated more than 18 million miles in service.

London-centric design

The first BYD BD11 model is specifically designed for London, and further models will be developed tailored to regional requirements around the UK.

BD11 Features

Advanced Chassis and Battery

• New Generation Chassis: The BYD BD11 debuts a new generation double-decker chassis that is lightweight, stable, and enhances range and responsiveness.
• Blade Battery: The BYD BD11 features a Blade Battery with a capacity of up to 532kWh, providing exceptional range and performance. It supports dual-gun and pantograph fast charging up to 500kW, allowing a full recharge from 0 to 100% in just two hours.

Enhanced Efficiency and Comfort

• Battery Integration: The Blade Battery is integrated into the chassis to save weight, increase driving range, enhance stability and manoeuvrability, and increase interior space for passengers.
• Thermal Management System: An integrated thermal management system optimises energy utilisation.
• Safety and Comfort: The BYD BD11 prioritises driver and passenger comfort and safety. It features active suspension control and a comprehensive suite of enhanced safety features, including the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS).

"We are proud to launch our own all-new electric double-decker bus with highly innovative, world-leading technology for safe and reliable electric mobility, providing operators with modern eco-friendly eBus options that meet their specifications, thus providing more people the choice to use clean, non-polluting bus services in the future," adds Thorpe.

Future prospects

The BD11 will debut in the third quarter of 2024, followed by a single-decker a few months later and a 'provincial' double-decker with a lower roof towards the end of 2025.

Decarbonising UK transport

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders predicts that the UK bus market could be the first vehicle sector to decarbonise. It further notes that over 40% of the UK's single- and double-decker buses are now zero-emission, stating that they are leading Britain's race to transport decarbonisation as Europe's biggest market for the greenest road passenger vehicles.

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