Gov. Brown touted the new electric bus and plant, comparing the breakthrough technology to strides made in aviation years before. He also spoke about Lancaster’s goal to become the first net-zero city in the U.S., as well as the long history of bipartisan support in the state for both environmentally-friendly and pro-transportation measures.

“This is a small beginning — a few buses — but it holds the promise of something very big and very important,” Gov. Brown said. “It really is a harbinger of great things to come.”

BYD’s new plant has added 60 new jobs for American workers, with the company expecting to increase the number of new jobs created to 100 by the end of the year, while adding 200 more by the end of next year. The company hopes this will be the first of many cities where BYD will provide clean energy electric buses, while creating more jobs for Americans.

“This event is truly historic with the unveiling of the first California-made, all-electric, long-range, 40-foot rapid transit buses lasting up to 24 hours on a single charge,” said CEO of BYD Motors, Stella Li. “BYD has a long and solid commitment to provide zero-emission, superior technology transportation vehicles in the United States. We are starting out here in Lancaster, Calif., with the goal of providing clean energy electric buses, throughout the United States, creating even more jobs for Americans.

BYD Motors Inc. is an American manufacturing company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of BYD Co. Ltd., the largest domestic auto-manufacturer and electric-bus manufacturer in China.

The company currently has two buses completed, with that number approaching five very soon and up to 50 by the end of the year, according to BYD’s Brendan Riley, VP, fleet sales.

View a gallery from the event here.