Automotive

World's longest electric bus can carry 250 passengers

World's longest electric bus can carry 250 passengers
The BYD K12A all-electric bus: 27 meters long, up to 300 km per charge range and able to carry 250 people
The BYD K12A all-electric bus: 27 meters long, up to 300 km per charge range and able to carry 250 people
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The BYD K12A all-electric bus can carry up to 250 passengers
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The BYD K12A all-electric bus can carry up to 250 passengers
The BYD K12a all-electric bus has been developed for global Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) systems
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The BYD K12a all-electric bus has been developed for global Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) systems
The BYD K12A all-electric bus: 27 meters long, up to 300 km per charge range and able to carry 250 people
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The BYD K12A all-electric bus: 27 meters long, up to 300 km per charge range and able to carry 250 people
The BYD K12A was launched at the company's Shenzhen headquarters
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The BYD K12A was launched at the company's Shenzhen headquarters
The BYD K12A was launched at the company's Shenzhen headquarters
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The BYD K12A was launched at the company's Shenzhen headquarters
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Chinese auto maker BYD Auto has been rolling out electric buses for a number of years now, launching a 40 ft long range people carrier in 2010, supplying Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam with 35 vehicles in 2013, and revealing the world's largest battery electric vehicle in 2014. That last title has now been bested, by BYD. Earlier this week, the firm unveiled the K12A – a 27 meter (88.5 ft) pure electric bus capable of carrying up to 250 passengers.

The K12A was officially launched at BYD's Shenzhen headquarters on Tuesday. The bi-articulated battery electric bus is the first to be equipped with a distributed 4WD setup, meaning that the vehicle can be switched from two-wheel-drive to four-wheel-drive and back when the route calls for something extra.

Developed for global Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) systems, the bus incorporates proprietary batteries, electric motors and electronic controls. It can carry up to 250 people, has a top speed of 70 km/h (43.5 mph) and offers around 300 km (186 mi) per charge range, which could well represent a full day's operation before it needs a top up. The bus also comes with both DC and AC charging ports that "can be switched freely to meet customers' every need."

"The K12A will bring zero emissions to BRT systems, allowing passengers to enjoy quiet, pollution-free travel, while at the same time saving significant maintenance costs for operator," said BYD's Stella Li.

Source: BYD

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6 comments
6 comments
anthony88
If the front of this bus is on time, the back will still be late.
nkpaima
If this is useful for 4 ways like Super Express ways of Indian Roads, this longest bus can run as Road-trains to carry the maximum road passengers with comfortable journey. In India the e-buses of the same company are running with the supervision of indian Government Road transport Department. The company can approach the Indian Government for launching of this long e-battery buses on the streets of New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Calculate Bangalore and HYDERABAD.
ChairmanLMAO
i think they should add rolling caterpillar humps. you know, for effect.
myale
Do not think I would like to be 88 foot from the driver - as when they go through a junction the back of the bus is going to take about 6 seconds assuming 10mph - so accelerating from a stop, unless my maths is wrong
YouAre
I'm sure all its roof is covered with solar panels .... just dreaming, but one day those 5-10kWh wouldn't be wasted
amazed W1
How does this alter the statistics of injury and death associated both directly and indirectly with buses? Overturning in ditches, squashing cyclists and (electric) vehicles when overtaking on a corner, problems at traffic lights, etc etc. Should I ask my life insurers for permission to ride in one?