The first BYD B12 battery-electric single-deck for the UK made its debut at Euro Bus Expo in the colours of Hertfordshire operator Uno.
It sat alongside a BD11 battery-electric double-decker and a bare BD11 chassis. The Uno B12 is a two-door example and one of a number on order for use on a shuttle service at the University of Hertfordshire.
The B12 is 11.8m long and utilises Blade batteries, with BYD saying that the version of the model to be sold here has been “tailored specifically to the UK market.”
Energy storage uses what the manufacturer calls “cell-to-chassis technology” to integrate batteries inside the chassis, using a sandwich structure to enhance energy efficiency and save weight. Lithium iron phosphate chemistry is utilised. A maximum of 541kWh capacity can be installed to deliver a claimed range of up to 310 miles.
BYD says that the B12 can carry up to 93 passengers to provincial specification, with twin 150kW hairpin hub motors. They deliver low noise and are lightweight, delivering 95.5% efficiency.
A six-in-one controller uses silicon carbide technology to reduce mass by a claimed 15% over traditional controllers. It delivers operating efficiency of 98.1%. Six electric components are integrated into that combined unit:
- Steering control module
- Air compressor controller
- DC-to-DC converter
- Power distribution unit
- Two motor controllers.
The B12 has a wheelbase of 6.28m and a GVW of 19.500kg. It is compatible with both CCS2 plug-in charging and pantograph-based opportunity replenishment.
Meanwhile, the BD11 double-decker made its trade show debut at Euro Bus Expo. It is understood that the first examples for Transport for London contractor operators will shortly enter service.
The BD11 has up to 532kWh of energy capacity using Blade batteries. It is 10.9m long and utilises the same 150kW motors and six-in-one controller as the B12 single-decker. BYD says the BD11 can charge in as little as two hours. It is also compatible with pantograph-based opportunity replenishment.
