Chinese electric automaker BYD launched the global debut of its new electric double-decker bus for the British market on May 22, 2024. As expected, the innovative bus model features the company’s popular Blade battery.
BYD pushes for sustainable public transport in London
According to DriveSpark, BYD officially unveiled the new BD11 electric double-decker bus at the London Bus Museum on Wednesday.
BYD reportedly developed the BD11 bus specifically for London’s public transport system. By the end of 2024, the Chinese NEV giant aims to officially launch the BD11’s operation in the capital of England.
As of today, more than 1,800 BYD electric buses are operating on UK roads. They reached a total operating mileage of over 80 million miles, which equates to a CO2 emission reduction of 137 million tonnes.
“The BYD BD11 will play a pivotal role in contributing to the reduction of air pollution in London and support the UK’s wider carbon neutrality goals. We are proud to launch our own all-new electric double-decker bus with highly innovative technology for safe and reliable electric mobility.”
Frank Thorpe, Managing Director of BYD UK Commercial Vehicles
Advancing in the UK’s public transportation sector
The BYD BD11’s debut signifies a major advancement for the Chinese company in the UK public transportation industry.
As mentioned, it utilizes the popular BYD Blade battery. It enables the new electric double-decker bus to have an outstanding driving range, performance, and fast charging capabilities with a maximum battery capacity of 532kWh.
After it launches BD11’s operations in late 2024, BYD aims to introduce another provincial model to expand its fleet of double-decker buses. It will reportedly develop the yet-to-be-unveiled model for the rural areas, in contrast to the urban density of London.
Key specifications
Presented below are the key specifications of the new BYD BD11:
| Dimensions | BYD BD11 |
| L/W/H | 10,900/2,550/4,300 mm |
| Body type | Low Floor |
| Max G.V.W | 19.5 T |
| Wheelbase | 5,440 mm |
| Passenger numbers | Up to 90 |
| Battery and charging | BYD BD11 |
| Battery model | BYD LFP Blade Battery |
| Battery capacity | Up to 532 kWh |
| Range | TBC |
| Charging system | Plug charging (CCS) (Standard), Pantograph (Optional) |
| Powertrain | BYD BD11 |
| Motor type | Hairpin motor |
| Max. motor power | 150 kW×2 |
Impressively, BYD’s electric double-decker bus has dual-gun charging and pantograph fast charging up to 500kW. These features enable the BD11 to charge from 0% to 100% in just two hours. In addition, it integrates a thermal management system to optimize energy consumption.
Even more, it comes equipped with active suspension control and a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features, including the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS).
