BYD has introduced its Type A battery electric vehicle, a zero-emission school bus that offers vehicle-to-grid technology (V2G), allowing the vehicle to serve as a power storage resource when it’s not transporting students. The Type A can seat up to 30, and can be equipped with an ADA liftgate capable of lifting 800 lbs. The bus has a range of up to 140 miles on a single charge.
Standard safety features include a high-strength steel construction body, electronic stability control to aid handling, and an electronic braking system to ensure more evenly distributed brake force. In addition, the bus features a “Predictive Stop Arm,” which BYD says monitors approaching traffic and notifies students as they exit the bus when it is safe to cross.
The BYD Type A features a lithium iron phosphate battery.
With length options’ of 26.7-ft., 24.5-ft. and 22.9 ft., BYD says its Type A battery-electric school bus is perfect for routes with fewer students and for transporting those with disabilities.
BYD buses can be equipped with HSM 3-point lap-shoulder belts, integrated child seats, and portable restraints. These school bus seats are not only designed to keep children safer, but they have the benefits of improving behavior, reducing bullying, and minimizing driver distraction.
The driver’s area features comfort seats, a 16.5-in. power steering wheel and telescopic steering column, high level of visibility, and easy to reach control switches. The driver can also control the air conditioning over the cockpit in addition to controlling the system for passengers.
BYD offers two kinds of charging solutions to meet different needs. The 150kW DC charging solution is available with high-charging power and efficiency, the company says. BYD also provides 19.2kW single-phase AC charging.
BYD’s battery-electric technology can cut fuel costs by as much as 60% compared to diesel vehicles, and with fewer moving parts and less vibration, maintenance costs can be cut by as much as 60%, BYD says.
