BYD Adds Type A Bus to Electric Vehicle Production Line

Electric vehicle company BYD (“Build Your Dreams”) on Wednesday introduced its Type A battery-electric, zero-emission school bus.

The BYD Type A offers vehicle-to-grid technology, allowing the vehicle to serve as a power storage source when it’s not transporting students. The Type A, with a range of 140 miles on a single charge, can seat up to 30 and can be equipped with an ADA liftgate capable of lifting 800 pounds, according to a news release.

“This is a timely solution: BYD’s Type A battery electric school bus is designed to be there for school districts 24 hours a day, both as a vehicle and power storage resource,” said Stella Li, president of BYD North America. “The BYD combination of top-notch safety features, innovative design and reliable performance makes this a practical and highly affordable zero-emission solution.”

Standard 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. It is powered by a lithium iron phosphate battery. It includes a stop arm that monitors approaching traffic and notifies students as they exit the bus when it is safe to cross.

Length options range from 22.9 to 26.7 feet. They can be equipped with HSM 3-point lap-shoulder belts, integrated child seats, and portable restraints.

The driver’s area features comfort seats, a 16.5-inch power steering wheel and telescopic steering column, high level of visibility, and easy-to-reach control switches.

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 offers 19.2 kw single-phase AC charging.

“Just like our Type D bus introduced last year, our Type A bus bi-directional charging capability is a game changer,” said Samuel Kang, BYD’s head of Total Technology Solutions. “School buses can be charged overnight when energy demand is low, and clean emission-free energy can be fed back into the classroom during school hours when the bus is parked, keeping classrooms well-lit and students and teachers plugged-in.”