BYD, in partnership with Spanish chassis builder Castrosua, has unveiled its latest electric bus, marking an important milestone in their joint manufacturing venture. The electric bus, which will soon be operational in Spain, showcases the combined expertise of both companies.
The BYD-Castrosua electric city bus measures twelve meters in length and provides ample space for up to 92 passengers. Equipped with a 422 kWh battery, it boasts an impressive range of over 450 kilometers, making it an efficient option for transportation. However, it is worth noting that energy consumption may vary depending on seasonal and geographical factors, with the average consumption in the twelve-meter segment estimated to be around 100 kWh/100km or higher.
The foundation of the model is BYD’s electric bus chassis, which was previously introduced at the IAA Transportation event in Hanover. The chassis incorporates BYD’s own LFP batteries and a new 6-in-1 controller, aiming to enhance reliability, operational performance, and energy efficiency. Additionally, the battery’s advanced thermal management system ensures optimal functionality across different climates.
To develop the electric bus, Castrosua adapted its existing ‘Nelec’ chassis to fit the BYD base, utilizing 3D models for precise adjustments. The customization options of the ‘Nelec’ chassis were retained, while production, repair, and maintenance processes were streamlined for efficiency.
The BYD-Castrosua electric bus will be showcased at the UITP Summit in Barcelona in June, with BYD’s exhibit located in Hall 7.
Javier Contijoch, Vice President of eBus Sales at BYD Europe, expressed satisfaction with the collaboration, highlighting the value of strategic partnerships. Contijoch emphasized the importance of providing clients with localized support and customer service.
Juan Luis Castro, President of Castrosua Group, praised the collaboration, describing it as a significant step forward for the market. Castro noted that the joint effort combines Castrosua’s expertise in crafting top-quality bodywork with BYD’s leadership in electromobility, resulting in an attractive and necessary offering.
The introduction of the BYD-Castrosua electric bus represents a noteworthy development in the pursuit of sustainable and efficient public transportation solutions. Both companies are committed to contributing to the ongoing progress in the field of electromobility.