BYD launches all-new BD11 double-deck
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BYD has launched an all-new electric double-decker bus, the BYD BD11, which offers 532kWh of batteries with a theoretical range of 400 miles at its claimed 0.7kWh per kilometre.
Introduced by at the London Bus Museum by Leon Daniels OBE, the 10.9-metre ‘decker in London spec is already rumoured to have orders for 100 vehicles. The London Bus Museum at Brooklands houses the first-ever modern electric bus with a BYD K9E chassis dedicated to the London public transport network.
The BD11 utilises BYD’s own Blade batteries, its own design of a truly tiny ‘Hairpin’ portal motor – one on each rear wheel set – and a new control module incorporating all six previous control modules, which together BYD says achieve 92% energy efficiency. The BYD BD11 signifies a crucial moment for BYD in the UK public transportation scene, as it prepares to enter service later this year. Specifically designed for London, the BYD BD11 will commence operations in the UK shortly, said BYD, with plans for a provincial model to follow soon after. Prices are promised to be ‘competitive.’
The BYD BD11 becomes the latest vehicle to feature BYD’s innovative, structural Blade Battery, which provides ‘exceptional’ range, performance, and fast charging capabilities, says BYD. As a Lithium Ferrous Phosphate battery, it will not go into ‘thermal runaway’ if damaged, as some Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) batteries can.
The bus offers flexible and rapid charging options, supporting dual-gun charging and pantograph fast charging up to 500kW, which means that the BYD BD11 can be recharged in the shortest possible time, from 0 to 100% in just two hours.
Introduced in 2020, the Blade LFP battery is structurally integrated into the chassis to save weight, increase driving range, and afford high levels of stability and manoeuvrability, while also increasing interior space for passengers. The bus has a 8m turning circle.
In addition, the BYD BD11 is equipped with an integrated thermal management system to optimise energy utilisation, providing heating and cooling to the saloon, cab and battery system. The BYD BD11 features active suspension control and offers a comprehensive suite of enhanced safety features, including the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS)
BYD is the only EB producer to have developed its own powertrain systems, traction batteries, automotive semiconductors, motors and motor controller systems. There are over 1,800 BYD eBuses in operation on UK roads, with a total operating mileage of more than 80 million miles, which is equivalent to a reduction of 137 million tonnes of CO2 emissions, says BYD.
“BYD is committed to technological innovation and spearheading the global transition towards eco-conscious public transportation,” comments Frank Thorpe, Managing Director, BYD UK Commercial Vehicles. “The BYD BD11 will play a pivotal role in contributing to the reduction of air pollution in London and, soon after, the UK’s wider carbon neutrality goals,”
“We are proud to launch our own all-new electric double decker bus with highly innovative, world-leading technology for safe and reliable electric mobility, providing operators with modern eco-friendly eBus options that meet their specifications, thus providing more people the choice to use clean, non-polluting bus services in the future.”
Although the launch vehicle is a production prototype, from Bus & Coach Buyer observations at the launch it is almost completely silent. The lack of battery intrusion on the interior is obvious, and the vehicle’s innovations were visible on the chassis brought to the launch, demonstrating in particular the portal electric drive motors, which were so small as to be almost out of sight between the chassis rails.
- Download a copy of the BYD eBus BD11 brochure