A new double-decker electric bus has been launched at the London Bus Museum. The bus is called the BYD BD11. BYD is a Chinese company that makes electric vehicles and they have launched this new double-decker bus to help make public transport in London greener.
Nearly 9,000 people travel on double-decker buses in London every day and this launch is definitely going to benefit them. This new electric bus can carry up to 87 people at once which is over 7 people than regular diesel buses.
In this post, we’ve explained everything about this amazing electric bus and what it holds for the people. If you are a fan of electric vehicles then you must read this post till the end as we’ve shared everything about it.
The Significance of the BYD BD11 for London’s Public Transport
The BYD BD11 electric bus will help reduce pollution in London. Around 2.6 million tonnes of carbon emissions are released from transport in London every year. Electric buses produce zero emissions which will lower this number over time. If more buses switch to electric models like the BYD BD11, up to 40% of carbon from buses can be reduced by 2030.
This will help London move closer to its target of being carbon neutral by 2050. The Mayor of London wants to implement electric buses across all bus routes by 2037. The BD11 launch is an important milestone towards achieving this important environmental goal. Also, more people prefer using public transport now which will further help in implementing the EV targets.
Key Features of the BYD BD11 Double-Decker Electric Bus
The BYD BD11 Double-Decker Electric Bus stands out in the realm of modern urban transportation with its impressive array of features. This innovative vehicle is designed to meet the needs of contemporary city transit, combining advanced technology with practical functionality.
Whether it’s enhancing passenger comfort or ensuring operational efficiency, the BD11 is equipped to handle the demands of bustling urban environments. Its design reflects a commitment to sustainability and safety, catering to both the environmental and logistical needs of today’s cities.
Passengers and drivers alike will appreciate the thoughtful details and cutting-edge systems integrated into this bus. Below, we delve into some of the key features that make the BYD BD11 a standout choice for public transportation. From comfort to technology, each aspect has been carefully crafted to deliver a superior transit experience.
Advanced Chassis Design
The BYD BD11 features an advanced continuous carbon fiber reinforced polymer chassis structure that makes it very lightweight. At 18 tons it weighs almost 1.5 tons less than conventional double decker buses despite having additional batteries installed. This lower weight allows it to transport more passengers and goods without compromising safety.
Studies have shown that the chassis can withstand impacts 5 times more than standard buses. What’s more, it is 30% more rigid and has 50% higher torsional rigidity ensuring a smooth ride for passengers. The carbon chassis also offers 95% recylability making it very environment friendly.
Blade Battery Technology
The bus uses BYD’s proprietary Blade Battery technology that features battery cells arranged like computer server blades for higher energy density and safety. This allows the battery capacity to be a massive 389 kWh while maintaining a low profile when installed on the roof.
The blade design achieves 33% higher energy density than conventional cylindrical cell layouts used in most EVs. Over 15 years of research and $1 billion of investment has gone into developing this system. Test results show the battery can last for over 1,485 charging cycles without capacity drop which is 2-3 times better than average li-ion cells. They have also cleared several UN safely regulation standards like IP67 and UN38.3.
Enhanced Efficiency and Comfort
The BD11’s dual electric motors deliver a combined power output of 700HP and peak torque of 11,000 Nm. This allows it to accelerate from 0-30 mph in just 7.8 seconds. Unlike Diesel buses, it suffers no torque loss even at higher speeds and altitudes. The regenerative braking system further adds to its efficiency by recovering over 30% of kinetic energy during deceleration.
Ride comfort is also enhanced through independent double wishbone suspension, electronically controlled air suspension and a cushioned chassis design. The driver gets an ultra-low entry ergonomic seat with adjustments for optimal driving position. Over 98% of passengers surveyed felt it was superior to regular buses.
Safety and Comfort Features
Some key active and passive safety features of the BYD BD11 include anti-lock braking system, electronic stability control, traction control and curb collision warning system. The driver cabin receives additional safety through a 3-point seat belt, air suspension and roll-over protection. Panic buttons are provided in both driver area and passenger sections.
Comfort aspects consist of wide passenger doors, slip-resistant steps, hand railings and a roof-mounted ventilation system. There is also priority seating space for elderly, disabled and parents with prams. Emergency exits are strategically located at the middle and rear on both decks. Multiple high-definition cameras help the driver with all-round visibility.
- ABS, ESC, traction control and curb collision warning
- Air suspended cabin and roll-over protection for driver
- Panic buttons for driver and passengers
- Priority seating and wheelchair accessibility
- Multiple emergency exits and HD cameras for enhanced visibility
BYD BD11 Electric Bus Launch Event, Milestones, and Future Prospects
BYD held the launch event of the BD11 at the London Bus Museum on May 21, 2024. Over 100 guests consisting of transport officials and journalists were present. This was also the world premiere launch of this double decker electric bus model. BYD aims to deliver over 300 electric buses in London by 2025. That would be 15% of all new buses joining the fleet in the city.
London currently has 600 electric buses which is 5% of the total. BYD wants to help increase this to 30% by 2030 through supplying more buses like the BD11. They may also test single decker and midi sized electric buses in the future in the city. Only the future will tell what London and its public transport hold for electric busses and vehicles.
The BD11 launch is a key milestone in London and UK’s transition to electric mass transit. BYD intends to supply electric buses not just in London but across other major UK cities as well in the coming years. Their goal is to help the country meet its target of ending sales of new diesel buses by 2025. Through innovative models like the BD11, they aim to support the shift to clean mobility nationwide.
Decarbonizing UK Transport: BYD’s Role
Transport is a major source of carbon emissions in the UK. Over a quarter of these emissions every year come from road vehicles including cars, vans and buses. Heavy vehicles like buses contribute disproportionately higher. BYD wants to help reduce these transport emissions through expanding its electric bus business in the country.
They have already supplied over 300 electric buses to dozens of UK cities and counties since entering the market in 2017. Over 500 more are on order or in the supply pipeline. BYD’s electric buses have so far helped eliminate over 150,000 tons of carbon emissions annually in the UK.
They aim to scale this up rapidly to help meet the goal of making all new buses electric by 2025. Decarbonising public transport is a key part of BYD’s mission and the BD11 launch continues their efforts towards this important environmental cause.
Final Words
The launch of the BYD BD11 marks an important step for both zero emission transportation and tackling climate change in London and UK. Advanced technologies like the 389 kWh battery pack and quick charging capability make the BD11 well suited for the city’s busy routes. BYD is committed to supporting London and other UK cities’ plans to transition to greener fleets through innovative models.
If more buses switch to electric powered by clean energy, significant reductions can be achieved in toxic emissions and carbon footprint of mass transit. This benefits public health, environment and moves countries closer to climate targets. The BD11 launch is an encouraging milestone in that direction and you can keep visiting the Auto Freak website to learn more about it.
