www.chinabuses.org: BYD, the innovative Chinese company in which super-investor Warren Buffet holds a 9.89% stake and which is poised to launch a range of full electric and hybrid passenger vehicles in Europe,  launched its eBUS-12 full sized single deck electric bus at Busworld in Kortrijk, Belgium.

The eBUS-12 is believed to be the first, mass-produced full size pure electric bus in the world with its significant range.

BYD (with its slogan ‘Build Your Dreams’) is a major corporation employing more than 200,000 people in more than 10 manufacturing plants. The company began life as a producer of lithium batteries (its products power many of the world’s top selling mobile phones and devices) before entering the automotive arena in 2006. The eBUS-12 is its first bus model and is due to enter trial service in several European cities, including Copenhagen and Frankfurt, in the coming months.

As part of its ‘Green City Solution’* programme, BYD has been focusing on the research and development of electric vehicles of all types, including passenger cars and buses. Currently its pure electric vehicle e6  and the eBUS-12 have been in the public transport service in China and acting as pilot trials in several other countries including the Netherlands, Spain, the US and Hong Kong.

The eBUS-12 will be followed by a range of new eBUS models in the near future, including a ten metre model, a double decker, and a right-hand-drive 12 metre model.

The eBUS-12 is designed for passenger comfort.  The specially designed in-wheel drive and the electronically controlled air suspension (ECAS) give the eBUS-12 an exceptionally low floor, a wide door and ample floor space for easy passenger loading and unloading.

The front windscreen occupies two thirds of the front face of the bus for maximum visibility and safety. The silver body conveys an elegant exterior image, while the interior boasts adjustable leather driver’s seat, high-quality leather seats for passengers, and carefully engineered sound insulation to keep the interior noise levels whisper quiet.

As BYD’s first pure electric bus, the eBUS-12 also employs many advanced technologies developed internally by BYD.  For example, the unique BYD Fe Battery used on the eBUS-12 is non-polluting as the materials contained in the battery can be recycled or disposed of easily.  Solar panels installed on top of the eBUS-12 supply power to help charge the Fe batteries.  The trip computer on the instrument panel provides all the service information necessary for the driver and gives him clear information while driving.

eBUS-12 Highlights
Environmentally friendly
• No direct emissions
• Low noise
• Recyclable Fe battery: no toxic electrolytes and no heavy metals
High tech
• Regenerative braking
• In-wheel drive
• Fe battery
• Easy charging - Fully charged in 3.5 to 6 hours, depending on charger type
Long range
• The eBUS-12 is able to run 250 km (155 miles) on a single charge in urban conditions (without input from the solar cells).
Safety
• Uni-body construction
• 4-wheel disc brakes
• ABS and ASR
Passenger-oriented design
• Three passenger doors with low-entry
• Special ramps for wheelchair access
• Flat floor throughout the passenger cabin

Henry Li, Senior Director of BYD Group, said: “With eBUS-12 we have chosen to address one of the most demanding vehicle types - a full size passenger bus. We are confident from our extensive testing programme – which has taken place over the last two years – that we can match our range and recharge claims in the real world offering enormous environmental advantages in the process”.

Mr. Li also added: “We are hoping to attract considerable interest from European bus operators during Busworld and will be in a position to begin our programs together within just a few months”.

Source : www.chinabuses.org:

Editor : BYD

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