BYD, a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, has unveiled its new BD11 double-decker bus, which is expected to replace London’s iconic Routemaster. The BD11 boasts a range of over 400 miles and offers high levels of passenger comfort. This launch comes 11 years after BYD first introduced its buses in the UK and after delivering its 1800th bus in the country. The BD11 features a large battery capacity of 532kWh, making it the largest among electric commercial vehicles currently available in the UK.
The usable capacity of the BD11 is 457kWh, and although the exact range has not been confirmed by BYD, the company claims that the bus will travel more than 0.9 miles per kWh. This suggests a usable range of over 400 miles, making it suitable for long-distance journeys. BYD emphasizes the safety and durability of its Blade battery technology, which is also used in its electric cars. The company states that the BD11 can remain in operation for 12 to 20 years due to the reliability of its battery technology.
One of the key advantages of BYD’s in-house battery production is the cost-effectiveness of refurbishing the driveline of the BD11 compared to using batteries from third-party suppliers. Additionally, the battery serves as a structural component of BYD’s new e-Platform 3.0 commercial vehicle platform, enhancing ride comfort and rigidity. The platform also includes in-wheel motors, which maximize cabin space and enable an 8.0-meter turning radius, as well as standard-fit active suspension for a smoother ride.
Charging options for the BD11 include up to 500kW via a pantograph connection and conventional rapid charging ports. BYD has not disclosed specific commercial objectives or volume projections, but Frank Thorpe, BYD UK’s commercial vehicle managing director, hopes that the BD11 will replace the New Routemaster in London. The New Routemaster, commonly known as the Boris Bus, is a hybrid double-decker that ceased production in 2017 and is set to be phased out in favor of all-electric buses by 2030.
Thorpe believes that the BD11 is a game-changing product due to its efficiency, safety, and commercial appeal. He acknowledges the positive reception from operators, stakeholders, and government bodies like the Department for Transport and Transport for London. However, he emphasizes the importance of proving that the BD11 is the best bus for the UK public, taxpayers, and stakeholders.
The BD11 will be introduced as a double-decker 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. This launch coincides with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) predicting that the UK’s bus market could lead the vehicle sector in decarbonization. Over 40% of single- and double-deckers in the UK are now zero-emission, with buses playing a significant role in decarbonizing road passenger vehicles.
However, the SMMT highlights that electric buses are predominantly being delivered to London, despite the city accounting for less than a sixth of the UK’s bus market. The organization calls for greater support for all fleets to transition to electric buses, citing challenges such as tight operating margins and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on passenger numbers.
While electric buses have a higher purchasing cost compared to combustion-powered alternatives, recent reports suggest that BYD’s BD11 buses may be more affordable. London’s Go-Ahead transport group is reportedly considering awarding BYD a contract to build over 100 buses at around £400,000 each. This price is approximately £100,000 cheaper than buses from UK competitors. Despite the components of the BD11 being sourced from the EU, around 34% of the components used in the bus are sourced from EU suppliers.
Overall, BYD’s BD11 double-decker bus offers a compelling alternative to London’s iconic Routemaster. With its impressive range, passenger comfort, and cost-effectiveness, the BD11 has the potential to lead the transition to electric buses in the UK. However, it remains to be seen how successful BYD will be in replacing the New Routemaster and gaining wider adoption of its buses in other parts of the country.