SBF 70 years logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

BYD Adds Type A Bus to Electric Vehicle Production Line

The new Type A zero-emission bus also includes vehicle-to-grid technology, allowing the bus to lend power when it's not in use.

by SBF Staff
January 27, 2022
BYD Adds Type A Bus to Electric Vehicle Production Line

The new BYD Type A electric school bus seats up to 30 and can travel 140 miles on a single charge.

Photo courtesy of BYD

2 min to read


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.

Ad Loading...

“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.

Ad Loading...

“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.”

More Alternative Fuels

An orange and yellow graphic with a black and white image of Blue Bird propane school buses.
Alternative Fuelsby Elora HaynesMarch 19, 2026

Alt-Fuel Moves: EV Charging Expansion & Fleet Deployments

From EV charging growth to V2G testing and new bus deployments, districts and providers advance alt-fuel goals amid challenges.

Read More →
Buyers Guide and Directory thumbnail
SponsoredMarch 13, 2026

2026 School Bus Fleet Vendor Directory & Buyer's Guide

Searching for the right equipment, technology, or services for your school transportation program? This industry guide brings together manufacturers and suppliers across the entire school bus market, all in one place. Download it to find the partners who can help move your operation forward.

Read More →
Front view of an IC Bus next generation electric CE Series bus driving on a suburban street.
Alternative Fuelsby Elora HaynesFebruary 27, 2026

EPA Revamps Clean School Bus Program, 2024 Rebates Halted

The EPA will open a 45-day comment period and is planning a March 3 webinar as it reshapes Clean School Bus funding for 2026.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
An orange and yellow graphic with a black and white image of InCharge Energy employees working on the management system platform.
Alternative Fuelsby Elora HaynesFebruary 23, 2026

Alt-Fuel Moves: Funding Boosts & Charging Innovations

Check out some of the latest moves where alternative fuels and school buses intersect, including electric bus and charging deployments, new funding opportunities, and a new management system.

Read More →
School Bus Fleet graphic with green theme and moss sphere image, headline “Greenhouse Gas Standards Update,” subhead “EPA Officially Repeals 2009 Endangerment Finding,” and photo of a yellow school bus driving away.
Alternative Fuelsby Staff and News ReportsFebruary 18, 2026

EPA Officially Rolls Back Federal GHG Standards

The federal administration called its 2009 Endangerment Finding rescission "the single largest deregulatory action in U.S. history." It eliminates greenhouse gas emission standards for all vehicles and engines for model years 2012 to 2027 and beyond.

Read More →
An orgnge, white, and black graphic with a black and white image ofpropane school buses.
Alternative Fuelsby Elora HaynesJanuary 30, 2026

Alt-Fuel Moves: Product Innovations & Funding Outlooks

Check out some of the latest moves where alternative fuels and school buses intersect, including electric and propane bus deployments, new EV products, and an update from CARB.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
SponsoredJanuary 19, 2026

Fleet Software ROI: Transforming School Transportation

Keeping buses safe, reliable, and on schedule requires more than manual processes. This eBook explores how modern fleet software supports school transportation teams with automated maintenance scheduling, smarter video safety tools, and integrated data systems. Discover practical ways fleets are reducing breakdowns, improving safety, and saving valuable staff time.

Read More →
An orgnge, white, and black graphic with a black and white image of electric school buses.
Alternative Fuelsby Elora HaynesJanuary 14, 2026

Alt-Fuel Moves: Manufacturing Growth & Energy Storage Expansion

Check out some of the latest moves where alternative fuels and school buses intersect, including manufacturing expansions, major funding awards, and energy storage strategies.

Read More →
A man connecting a Zenobē charger to a school bus.
ManagementDecember 12, 2025

Electric School Bus Financing: Making Fleet Transitions Operationally Sustainable for the Long Haul

Electric school bus success hinges on long-term planning, which means smart financing, battery management, and service-based models that keep fleets reliable for years.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
An orgnge, white, and black graphic with a black and white detail shot of lights on a school bus.
Alternative Fuelsby Elora HaynesDecember 8, 2025

Alt-Fuel Moves: New V2G Tech and Electric Bus Rollouts

Check out some of the latest moves where alternative fuels and school buses intersect, including new product announcements and bus deployments across the U.S.

Read More →