BYD presents C12 DUO electric coach with 429–495 kWh LFP battery at Euro Bus Expo
The coach, developed specifically for the UK, has a claimed range of up to 340 miles (about 547 km) and charges at up to 215 kW. BYD reports over 3,000 electric buses delivered or ordered in Britain.
BYD gave the C12 DUO, an all-electric coach, its world premiere at Euro Bus Expo, electrive.net reports. electrive.net
electrive.netelectrive.netOpen source ↗ Frank Thorpe, managing director of BYD Commercial Vehicle UK, had disclosed the model a few days earlier in an interview, stressing that it was developed specifically for the UK. The coach uses an LFP battery offered in two configurations: 429 and 495 kWh.
Range, charging and drivetrain
BYD states a range of up to 340 miles (about 547 km) and charging at up to 215 kW. The press release for the premiere gives no power figure. In the interview, Thorpe said the drivetrain is most likely the one known from BYD's city and intercity buses, rated at 2×150 kW.
BYD says its Blade Battery packs are mounted exclusively at the vehicle frame and integrated directly into it. According to the manufacturer, this is meant to increase torsional stiffness and reduce vehicle weight. The battery carries a 15-year warranty.
Dimensions, use and UK market
The coach measures 12.3 × 2.55 × 3.54 m with a 6.15 m wheelbase. electrive.net
electrive.netelectrive.netOpen source ↗ Luggage space is up to 4 cubic metres, somewhat less than in classic coaches of this size, while seating is offered for up to 57 passengers.
BYD management says the vehicle was developed mainly for tour operators, school transport and scheduled services between cities, towns, airports and event venues. The company says it should show that long-distance electric passenger transport is possible without compromises in range, passenger comfort or operating efficiency.
As motivation for entering the coach segment, Thorpe pointed to BYD's results with battery-electric double-deck and single-deck buses in Britain. BYD is said to have delivered or have on order more than 3,000 electric buses in the UK. Its current UK range includes solo buses in lengths of 11.8, 10.8, 10.4 and 9.9 m, and the BD11 double-decker in 10.6 or 10.9 m lengths with a maximum battery capacity of 532 kWh.
At the premiere, Thorpe said that the transition to zero-emission commercial transport is no longer a distant goal. electrive.net
electrive.netelectrive.netOpen source ↗
