For The Transit Fans: Manufacturer Profile: BYD Limited
BYD is a Chinese automotive conglomerate which manufacturers everything from Bicycles and Passenger Cars to Buses and Heavy Duty Commercial Trucks. BYD has attempted to gain market share in Europe and North America with mixed results.
BYD K9 undergoing testing trials in Germany
Manufacturer Quick Facts:
Founded: 2003
Main Office: Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
Notable Product: K9, F0, F6, G6, M6
BYD K9 undergoing testing trials in New York City
BYD after years of struggling to get a passenger car to meet US NHTSA safety requirements was directed by its U.S. office to explore the idea of exporting the BYD K9 to the United States. The move was a success as BYD (and most other Chinese auto companies) are better at producing heavy equipment over passenger cars. The BYD K9 is an all electric bus powered by iron-phosphate batteries and gives off no emissions. The only alteration needed to make the K9 road legal in the United States was a slight change in the front and rear bumpers to make them DOT compliant.
BYD K9 undergoing testing in London
BYD launched an international campaign around the K9 offering a test model to any major transit company or authority interested in a Zero Emissions bus to add to their fleets. The PR campaign was successful and BYD sold many units internationally. In the US most K9 models are used as Airport shuttles or by smaller transit authorities. The K9 has the longest range of any electric bus on the market currently at 155 miles before a 4hr recharge is needed. The K9 is also cheaper than most domestic models as it sells for around $395,000 compared to the standard $500,000 price tag American and Canadian models cost. That along with no longer needing to purchase diesel fuel has made the K9 very attractive.
BYD K9 in New York City
BYD K9 in London
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