Chinese automaker BYD has successfully secured a contract to supply its battery-electric school buses to the California Department of General Services (DGS). Under the statewide electric school bus contract, BYD’s Achiever (Type A) and Dreamer (Type D) models will be available for purchase by fleet owners, aiming to contribute to California’s push for zero-emission transportation.
Patrick Duan, BYD | RIDE Senior Vice President, expressed enthusiasm about the inclusion of their battery-electric school buses in the California DGS Contract. The BYD Achiever, with a seating capacity of up to 30 passengers and a 141 kWh battery capacity, along with the BYD Dreamer, accommodating up to 84 passengers with a 230 kWh battery capacity, can now be procured through this contract. BYD is also gearing up to introduce a Type C school bus in the near future.
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The California DGS contract provides an opportunity for fleet owners to purchase electric school buses, acting as a master contract for up to two years with the option to extend three times for one-year periods. The Department of General Services, part of California’s Government Operations Agency, oversees this initiative.
With BYD’s successful bid, customers looking to incorporate Chinese automaker vehicles into their fleets can now directly access these models through the California DGS contract. This development aligns with broader efforts to promote sustainable and emission-free transportation solutions, particularly in the school bus sector.
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The news comes in the wake of the EPA’s Clean Bus Program announcement last year, allocating a $1 billion budget for the 2023 fiscal year to support the purchase of electric buses and alternative solutions by schools. This contract with BYD contributes to advancing California’s commitment to cleaner and greener transportation options for educational institutions.
