If you're planning a trip to London by October, be sure to check out Chinese carmaker BYD's development The new model is a technical breakthrough in the field of transport. Isbrand Ho, Managing Director of BYD Auto Europe, states: “In the past, electric vehicle manufacturers have built buses with three batteries: front, rear and on top of the vehicle. But this scheme is not suitable for double-decker buses. BYD's advanced technology makes the batteries more compact, so the battery on top of the bus is no longer needed.” Also, Mr. Ho says that "now is the time for electric vehicles to take over gasoline cars in favor of environmental protection."
Denis Naberezhnykh, Head of Intelligent Transport Systems at the UK Transport Research Lab, admires the Chinese development and comments: roof due to height restrictions.” Embankments sees huge opportunities for electrification of London's bus fleet, as well as for improved air quality and the upcoming launch of the London Ultra-Low Emission Zone.
Chargers will be installed at bus depots where buses are parked overnight. For most buses, this overnight charge is enough to serve passengers throughout the day. Recharging takes just 4 hours using cheaper off-peak (night) power.
BYD says the same technology could be applied to bus fleets in other Asian and European countries, with designs tailored to local customer needs. For London, five buses will be made in China, the number of which can be increased upon request.
The British capital is currently running hybrid buses, named after the mayor of the city, “Boris buses”, which consume 15% less fuel and are 40% more efficient than existing diesel double-decker buses.
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