Columbia May be Home to Zero-Emissions, Articulated Bus
During the Mobility and Transport 2013 Conference held in Bogota earlier this year, global bus manufacturer BYD announced the 2014 production of a long-range, 18 meter (60 foot), articulated all-battery-electric transit bus.
by Staff
January 3, 2014
2 min to read
BYD's 12-meter bus has logged approximately 14 million emissions-free miles around the world. The company recently unveiled an 18-meter, articulated version of the bus.
During the Mobility and Transport 2013 Conference held in Bogota, Columbia, earlier this year, global bus manufacturer BYD announced the 2014 production of a long-range, 18 meter (60 foot), articulated all-battery-electric transit bus.
Similar to other buses that BYD makes, this model is specifically tailored to the needs and requirements of Colombia’s rapid transit programs -- utilizing efficient in-wheel motors (also found in the BYD “K9” 12 meter buses). The BYD 12-meter buses have accumulated 23 million Km (~14M miles) of in-revenue service world-wide and also have become synonymous with low maintenance costs. The high-floor loading-system designed for the 18 meter articulated bus has been developed specifically for Bogota’s TransMilenio Rapid Transit system serving the capital of Colombia.
Ad Loading...
The BRT opened to the public in December 2000 with 11 lines totaling 87 km (~54 miles) running throughout the city. As of October 2012, up to 1,400 buses were circulating on the BRT system in Bogota. BYD’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems have a high-floor to match loading platforms like a subway ensure efficient loading protocols. They can also be designed with a very-low floor if customers specify. The BYD bus strength is enhanced by using a strong steel chassis and an aluminum body. According to initial prototype testing in China, the 18 meter BYD articulated bus ran 240 km (150 miles) on a single charge – this would fully meet the daily requirements for Colombian city BRT transport.
Gustavo Pedro, the mayor of Bogota, recently announced Decree 477 to upgrade Bogota’s public transportation systems in four phases, which will introduces various low- or zero-emission transportation technologies. BYD launched Latin America’s largest taxi fleet with the Bogota Mayor this fall, completed very positive testing of the 12m buses in September and is now partnering for a large opportunity to bring articulated electric buses to the BRT. BYD will introduce two new models based on Colombia’s transportation regulations for demo in 2014, according to the company.
Fleet managers are done with the debate—and focused on execution. Learn how to build a practical electrification strategy that aligns infrastructure, operations, and financing while keeping costs controlled and deployment scalable with support from Blink Charging. Discover how smart planning today positions fleets for long-term performance and ROI.
New industry group data revealed that light-duty electric vehicle sales are hitting record market share and volumes, while commercial EV volume dipped. What’s driving the fluctuations?
For fleet managers, fuel is one of the biggest line items in the budget — and it's one hybrids can shrink without changing how your people work. Download the eBook to see the numbers, understand the technology, and get a step-by-step guide to making the switch.
With the expiration of federal incentives, EV success now hinges less on government policy and more on discounts, battery tech progress, increased range, and broader infrastructure.
Fleet operators shared their challenges during an annual conference that embraced the latest advances across all aspects of running private- and public-sector vehicles.
