BYD, a producer of battery-electric buses, says it is partnering with the Canadian province of Alberta to develop smarter, safer transit buses with advanced zero-emissions transportation technology.
According to BYD, the framework agreement was signed this week in Shanghai in the presence of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Canadian Minister of International Trade Chrystia Freeland.
“Alberta is making strides in clean technology development and is looking to be a leader in smart infrastructure and electric transportation systems. BYD is excited to leverage the province’s machine learning, advanced sensors and software development expertise to build even smarter and safer zero-emission buses,” said BYD Heavy Industries Vice President Ted Dowling.
“Not only has BYD delivered more than 10,000 buses worldwide that have more than 250 million kilometers of in revenue service, but in head-to-head trials against diesel buses, our battery-electric buses have proven their reliability in even the coldest climates,” he added.
BYD says it brings to the partnership its long-range battery-electric bus, a 40-foot transit bus that was released in 2011. According to the manufacturer, its full lineup includes seven electric bus models ranging from a 23-foot coach to a 60-foot articulated transit bus. There are BYD battery-electric buses running on six continents that have together saved customers tens of millions of dollars in fuel and maintenance costs.
BYD claims that its proprietary Iron-Phosphate Battery is the safest and longest-lasting electric bus battery available on the market today: Not only is the battery fully recyclable and flame-resistant, but BYD also offers a full 12-year battery warranty.
This fall, initial program details will be set between BYD, a number of Alberta technology companies, the Alberta Centre for Advanced MNT Products, the University of Alberta and the University of Calgary.
