BYD introduced its Type A battery electric vehicle, a zero-emission school bus that combines design, performance and safety together in a package built to meet the needs of students and administrators. The BYD Type A offers innovative vehicle-to-grid technology, 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 lift gate capable of lifting 800 pounds. 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. At the heart of the BYD Type A is its lithium iron phosphate battery. In addition, BYD adds an additional layer of protection with its predictive stop arm, which monitors approaching traffic and notifies students as they exit the bus when it is safe to cross.
BYD’s Type A battery electric school bus offers length options of 26.7-, 24.5- and 22.9 ft. BYD buses can be equipped with HSM three-point lap-shoulder belts, integrated child seats, and portable restraints.
The driver’s area features comfort seats, a 16.5- in. power steering wheel and telescopic steering column, a high level of visibility, and easy to reach control switches, according to the manufacturer. The driver can also control the air conditioning over the cockpit in addition to controlling the system for passengers.
EV technology
BYD offers two kind of charging solutions to meet different needs. The 150 kw DC charging solution is available with high charging power and efficiency. BYD also provides 19.2 kw single phase AC charging. BYD’s innovative battery-electric technology can cut fuel costs by as much as 60% compared to diesel vehicles. With fewer moving parts and less vibration, maintenance costs can be cut by as much as 60%.
