The order for 22 new and fully electric busses is the latest in a series of many in BYD’s long history of public transport electrification. After more than 50,000 electric buses and coaches have been delivered, among others to the US, the UK, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and Israel, Bogestra and HCR, two major public transport companies in Germany, have now also selected BYD eBusses to help reduce pollution in city centres. As such, Bogestra and HCR are confirming BYD’s role as a global supplier of renewable energy vehicles. A number of German municipalities have already purchased and are operating zero-emission busses as part of their public transport networks. However, this order marks the entry of BYD into the German market.
The first electric busses will arrive in the summer of 2020 and operate on route 354 in Bochum, route 380 in Gelsenkirchen, and in Herne. "Being able to travel from Weitmar to Riemke with zero emission is an important first step in the right direction for climate protection. It shows that Bogestra keeps its promises and assumes regional responsibility for a sustainable future,” said Bochum's Mayor Thomas Eiskirch.
Range of 200 kilometres with AC
"With these efforts to improve air quality, around ten percent of Bogestra’s fleet will be fully electric, making us the number one in zero emission public transport in the Ruhr area," claimed Frank Baranowski, Gelsenkirchen's Mayor and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Bogestra.
BYD‘s 12 meter eBusses can carry up to 80 passengers and have a single charge range of more than 200 kilometres with air conditioning. As Isbrand Ho, Managing Director of BYD Europe, concludes: “We are very proud of this important order, which demonstrates our capabilities in a market dominated by German brands. BYD’s efforts will make a strong contribution to reducing emissions and improving air quality. And in our eyes, that is even more important than our first order in Germany.” (mfo)
