BYD plans to introduce a battery-electric coach to the UK market by the end of 2026, according to Frank Thorpe, Managing Director of BYD Commercial Vehicle UK. The new vehicle is being developed specifically for the UK market and will expand the company’s presence beyond its existing electric bus offerings.
The announcement was reported by British trade publication Routeone, which quoted Thorpe discussing the company’s plans. The upcoming coach is not expected to be a derivative of an existing BYD long-distance bus sold in other markets, but a model designed specifically for UK requirements.
Technical specifications, including battery capacity, driving range and passenger capacity, have not yet been disclosed.
Purpose-Developed Coach for the UK
Thorpe indicated that the new coach would incorporate several innovative safety features, although further details have not been provided.
“It is an exciting time for BYD UK; not only because our parent company is investing in the coach and bus industry here, with resources, products and people, but also our ability to receive technical developments from BYD first-hand.”
The development reflects BYD’s intention to expand its commercial vehicle portfolio in the UK, where the company has already established a presence in both single-decker and double-decker electric bus segments.
Building on Electric Bus Deployments
Thorpe cited the company’s progress in the UK electric bus market as a foundation for entering the coach sector. According to Routeone, BYD has delivered or secured orders for more than 1,000 electric buses in the country.
The report also indicates that the powertrain used in BYD’s city and intercity buses is expected to feature in the upcoming coach. This system comprises two electric motors rated at 150 kW each, although the battery configuration for the new model remains undisclosed.
Existing BYD Bus Range in the UK
BYD currently offers several single-decker electric buses in the UK, with lengths of 11.8 metres, 10.8 metres, 10.4 metres and 9.9 metres.
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Its double-decker offering includes the BD11, available in 10.6-metre and 10.9-metre configurations. The model can be equipped with a battery capacity of up to 532 kWh.
The planned electric coach will add a new vehicle category to this portfolio, extending BYD’s commercial vehicle offering into longer-distance passenger transport. Its technical specifications and market positioning are expected to become clearer closer to the planned launch.