All-electric double-decker buses delivered to London – Mass Transit
What happened: Chinese electric vehicle (EV) company BYD, which partnered with British manufacturer Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) in the UK, delivered five double decker electric buses to London bus operator Metroline earlier this week of the total 37 purchased. The buses will serve Route 43 which runs nine miles from Friern Barnet to London Bridge. The fully electric, emission-free BYD ADL Enviro400EV bus model is assembled at ADL’s facility in Britain while the powered chassis is built at BYD’s plant in Hungary.
Why it’s important: The alliance between BYD and ADL began in July 2015 when the two companies inked its first deal worth £19 million ($24 million) to build London’s first zero emission fleet of 51 single deck buses, reported Sina Finance. BYD’s iron-phosphate battery technology enables the buses run all day on a single charge using cost-effective off-peak electricity, according to the company. Chinese automakers are stepping up moves into the global market as the domestic auto market shrinks. BYD recently opened its sixth electric bus plant outside China in Canada focusing on assembling buses for the country’s largest public transport operator. Great Wall Motor, reportedly set a goal at the beginning of the year to make its sub-brand Haval the world’s biggest SUV maker within the next five years.