A new era of emissions free tourist transport is envisaged by a partnership between electric bus builder BYD and UNVI, the Spanish bus maker which is the world leader in open top double deckers.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between UNVI and BYD will offer the operators a new and emissions free solution with BYD supplying batteries and related systems and the chassis, and UNVI building its open top bodywork.
The MOU was signed by Isbrand Ho, Managing Director of BYD Europe, and Eloy Perez Martinez, CEO of UNVI.
Isbrand Ho says: “It has long been our intention to offer our unique battery electric technology in these hugely popular open top tourist buses.
“With the recognition of the pressure of air quality issues on our city environments, and the consequent moves to ban or restrict diesel powered vehicles, transition to pure electric vehicles is a fast-developing necessity.
“So we are delighted to forge this new partnership with UNVI, the true world leader in the open top double decker market".
Eloy Perez Martinez said: "BYD is without question the foremost expert in electric bus technology and supply and our new joint venture will result in an outstanding offer to our clients across Europe.
“We look forward to converting our existing clients to this new and exciting zero pollution technology and winning new ones too.”
Further announcements concerning the BYD UNVI joint products will be made in the coming months.