Astana, Kazakhstan – The first BYD electric buses ever manufactured in Kazakhstan have rolled off the new commercial vehicle production line at Astana Motors.

A delegation led by Mr. Tian Chunlong, General Manager of BYD’s Commercial Vehicle Division, visited the Astana Motors CV plant for a tour of the facility.

These buses are the latest-generation 12-metre BYD B12 city buses, equipped with the new CTC (cell-to-chassis) technology for coaches. The Blade Battery cells are structurally integrated into the chassis, forming part of the load-bearing frame and enhancing overall body strength. Recognised globally as one of the safest lithium battery chemistries, BYD’s Blade Battery produces no fire or smoke even under extreme conditions such as nail penetration tests, demonstrating exceptional thermal stability.

The project has received strong support from both Chinese and Kazakh authorities. In July this year, Almaty Mayor Darkhan Satybaldy held a working meeting with Cao Shuang, BYD Europe & Central Asia Sales Director for Commercial Vehicles, and senior executives of Astana Motors to discuss electric bus production and technology localization in Kazakhstan.

In September, during the 8th China-Kazakhstan Business Council in Beijing, and in the presence of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Chinese Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang, Tian Chunlong and Astana Motors founder Nurlan Smagulov formally signed a production cooperation agreement.

Under the agreement, the Almaty electric bus plant will be localized in phases. Starting in 2026, the facility will deepen its manufacturing processes and expand production capacity.

Tian Chunlong commented: “Producing BYD electric buses in Kazakhstan is of great strategic importance. It opens broad prospects for future cooperation and sets a benchmark for promoting green mobility and ecological sustainability across Central Asia and beyond.”

Mr. Tian and the BYD delegation inspect the new assembly line

Source : www.chinabuses.org

Editor : Lucy

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