BYD shows off first double-decker electric bus in Singapore
07 Nov 2024|2,802 views
As emphasis on the transition to clean energy in the transport sector continues to grow, BYD Singapore is taking the chance at the Singapore International Transportation and Commercial Expo (SITCE) 2024 to show off not another sleek new electric sedan, but this: The double-deck B12DS.
The bus marks BYD's first-ever electric double-decker to reach Singapore, and was also brought out for public display for the first time on our shores at the opening day of the SITCE 2024 at Suntec Convention Centre (6 November 2024).
BYD is also taking the chance to show off an electric autonomous bus and two electric heavy-duty trucks at its SITCE 2024 booth
Alongside it, BYD has also brought out two electric heavy-duty trucks (including a food-delivery variant of the T9R), an autonomous bus, and also its Blade Battery technology at its booth.
But back first to the B12DS.
Said to be crafted specially for Singapore, the low-floor, fully-electric double deck bus is equipped with a total of 64 seats (16 on the lower deck and 48 on the upper deck), but has the ability to carry up to 120 passengers.
The 64-seater B12DS is fitted with three doors and a second staircase right at its rear for added passenger convenience
Designed with convenience for passengers in mind, the B12DS is fitted with two staircases - one in the middle, and one right at the rear - as well as three passenger doors to facilitate easier boarding and alighting.
It is also kitted with features seen on more recent public buses, such as screens that indicate the current bus route, and neatly-hidden USB-C points for commuters to charge their mobile devices.
Up close, Sgcarmart also noticed that there were two specific wheelchair docking zones on the bus, and managed to witness the operation of the bus’ wheelchair ramp, which can be electronically extended and retracted and carry loads of up to 350kg.
A 541.9kWh Blade Battery powers the B12DS, giving it an electric range of up to 350km
Naturally, however, the headline of the B12DS is its fully electric powertrain.
With a curb weight of 17,500kg, the double-decker is powered by a massive 541.9kWh Blade Battery, which gives it a projected range of up to 350km. Hooked up to dual 225kW DC chargers, BYD states that the B12DS can take as little as two hours to be fully recharged. Those curious about the technologies literally underpinning the bus will also get the chance to see them up close, with a special display of the B12DS' chassis and Blade Battery technology.
It's worth noting that the B12DS won't be the first BYD bus to join our public transport network, should it eventually go into service. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) already has a partnership in place with BYD Singapore for the procurement of electric buses - although these have also all been pure single-deckers so far. Just last month, the authority announced that 10 of them are set to be deployed from Sengkang West Bus Depot from December 2024.
The BYD Autonomous Bus relies on intelligent software platforms supplied by Japanese deep-tech startup, TIER IV, and is currently already in operation at Japan's Komatsu Airport
With an eye towards a more distant future, also gracing BYD's booth at SITCE 2024 is the BYD Autonomous Bus, which was developed in collaboration with Japanese deep-tech startup, TIER IV, for real-world service on public roads.
Based on the BYD J6 midibus, the BYD Autonomous Bus is powered by TIER IV's Pilot.Auto and Web.Auto software platforms, which are said to have been crafted specially for the operation of intelligent vehicles. Additionally helping to power its autonomous driving capabilities are latest-generation artificial intelligence and sensor technologies. BYD states that the Autonomous Bus is already in operation at Japan's Komatsu Airport.
Taking a stand additionally at the BYD booth are two heavy-duty electric trucks, including the BYD T9R - for which a 100-unit order was placed by Inchcape+, and the BYD Electric Prime Mover. The latter is targeted at the logistics industry, has a gross vehicle weight of 55,000kg, and can reach speeds of up to 80km/h.
The BYD T9R (left) and BYD Electric Prime Mover (right) already prove that full electrification is possible for heavy-duty vehicles too
Expressing his excitement about the showcase - which incidentally makes BYD the largest exhibitor at SITCE 2024 - Mr. James Ng, Managing Director of BYD Singapore and Philippines, noted that the four commercial vehicles on display evince the brand's "latest advancements in electric mobility", before adding, "We believe in pioneering sustainable solutions that not only meet the demands of today's transportation challenges but also pave the way for a greener future. Key products such as the B12DS double-deck bus and T9R truck are primed for local market demand."
As emphasis on the transition to clean energy in the transport sector continues to grow, BYD Singapore is taking the chance at the Singapore International Transportation and Commercial Expo (SITCE) 2024 to show off not another sleek new electric sedan, but this: The double-deck B12DS.
The bus marks BYD's first-ever electric double-decker to reach Singapore, and was also brought out for public display for the first time on our shores at the opening day of the SITCE 2024 at Suntec Convention Centre (6 November 2024).
BYD is also taking the chance to show off an electric autonomous bus and two electric heavy-duty trucks at its SITCE 2024 booth
Alongside it, BYD has also brought out two electric heavy-duty trucks (including a food-delivery variant of the T9R), an autonomous bus, and also its Blade Battery technology at its booth.
But back first to the B12DS.
Said to be crafted specially for Singapore, the low-floor, fully-electric double deck bus is equipped with a total of 64 seats (16 on the lower deck and 48 on the upper deck), but has the ability to carry up to 120 passengers.
The 64-seater B12DS is fitted with three doors and a second staircase right at its rear for added passenger convenience
Designed with convenience for passengers in mind, the B12DS is fitted with two staircases - one in the middle, and one right at the rear - as well as three passenger doors to facilitate easier boarding and alighting.
It is also kitted with features seen on more recent public buses, such as screens that indicate the current bus route, and neatly-hidden USB-C points for commuters to charge their mobile devices.
Up close, Sgcarmart also noticed that there were two specific wheelchair docking zones on the bus, and managed to witness the operation of the bus’ wheelchair ramp, which can be electronically extended and retracted and carry loads of up to 350kg.
A 541.9kWh Blade Battery powers the B12DS, giving it an electric range of up to 350km
Naturally, however, the headline of the B12DS is its fully electric powertrain.
With a curb weight of 17,500kg, the double-decker is powered by a massive 541.9kWh Blade Battery, which gives it a projected range of up to 350km. Hooked up to dual 225kW DC chargers, BYD states that the B12DS can take as little as two hours to be fully recharged. Those curious about the technologies literally underpinning the bus will also get the chance to see them up close, with a special display of the B12DS' chassis and Blade Battery technology.
It's worth noting that the B12DS won't be the first BYD bus to join our public transport network, should it eventually go into service. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) already has a partnership in place with BYD Singapore for the procurement of electric buses - although these have also all been pure single-deckers so far. Just last month, the authority announced that 10 of them are set to be deployed from Sengkang West Bus Depot from December 2024.
The BYD Autonomous Bus relies on intelligent software platforms supplied by Japanese deep-tech startup, TIER IV, and is currently already in operation at Japan's Komatsu Airport
With an eye towards a more distant future, also gracing BYD's booth at SITCE 2024 is the BYD Autonomous Bus, which was developed in collaboration with Japanese deep-tech startup, TIER IV, for real-world service on public roads.
Based on the BYD J6 midibus, the BYD Autonomous Bus is powered by TIER IV's Pilot.Auto and Web.Auto software platforms, which are said to have been crafted specially for the operation of intelligent vehicles. Additionally helping to power its autonomous driving capabilities are latest-generation artificial intelligence and sensor technologies. BYD states that the Autonomous Bus is already in operation at Japan's Komatsu Airport.
Taking a stand additionally at the BYD booth are two heavy-duty electric trucks, including the BYD T9R - for which a 100-unit order was placed by Inchcape+, and the BYD Electric Prime Mover. The latter is targeted at the logistics industry, has a gross vehicle weight of 55,000kg, and can reach speeds of up to 80km/h.
The BYD T9R (left) and BYD Electric Prime Mover (right) already prove that full electrification is possible for heavy-duty vehicles too
Expressing his excitement about the showcase - which incidentally makes BYD the largest exhibitor at SITCE 2024 - Mr. James Ng, Managing Director of BYD Singapore and Philippines, noted that the four commercial vehicles on display evince the brand's "latest advancements in electric mobility", before adding, "We believe in pioneering sustainable solutions that not only meet the demands of today's transportation challenges but also pave the way for a greener future. Key products such as the B12DS double-deck bus and T9R truck are primed for local market demand."
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