BYD Announces Major Electric Bus Deal with Golden Arrow

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD has announced a landmark agreement with Golden Arrow to supply the South African public transport company with 120 electric buses by the end of 2025.

BYD, a global leader in commercial electric vehicles, has already delivered over 80,000 electric buses across six continents. The new 12.5-meter-long B12 buses for Golden Arrow will each feature 65 seats and be equipped with lithium iron phosphate batteries.

These buses will also incorporate BYD’s advanced six-in-one controller system, which includes two electric motor control units, a steering control unit, an air compressor controller, a DC-DC controller, and a power distribution unit, all designed to enhance efficiency.

Golden Arrow’s company engineer highlighted the cost benefits, noting that electricity costs are expected to be 70% lower than those of diesel. The company also plans to diversify its energy sources, aiming to make renewables the predominant source of electricity for the buses.

The delivery of the 120-bus fleet will begin in December this year and be fully completed by the end of 2025.

“As a South African, it is a great honor to introduce BYD electric buses and its advanced technologies to South Africa,” said Steve Chang, BYD’s General Manager for South Africa. “This order is a testament to our shared vision of a sustainable future and highlights the increasing adoption of clean energy solutions in South Africa.”

Rigorous testing of the new buses started in 2020 with a 37-seater BYD K9 bus. Golden Arrow then introduced two electric buses into service in 2021, expanding testing to include the 65-seater buses in January 2023. BYD emphasized the robustness and reliability of their electric buses, which were tested under demanding conditions such as peak passenger capacities and Cape Town’s steepest inclines.

With the completion of this deal, BYD and Golden Arrow will establish South Africa’s first electric bus fleet, promoting sustainable public transportation.

“As a company with such a rich history, we are proud to be the first to bring electric buses to South Africa’s public transport space,” said Golden Arrow CEO Francois Meyer. “This partnership with BYD underscores our commitment to innovation and sustainability.”