The BD11 has a battery capacity of up to 532kWh - the largest of any commercial EV currently available in the UK. Usable capacity is pegged at 457kWh, and although BYD has yet to confirm a range, it says the bus will travel more than 0.9 miles per kWh, suggesting a usable range of more than 400 miles (643 km).
The bus features in-wheel motors, an 8.0-meter turning radius, and an active suspension system. Charging up to 500kW is possible via a pantograph (overhead) connection, but conventional ports are provided for conventional fast charging at depots and public stations - with the ability to connect more than one charger at a time to increase speed.
Not only does this model boast impressive technical specifications, but it also incorporates modular battery systems allowing customization according to usage needs. The e-Platform 3.0 enhances ride comfort and rigidity due to its structural battery design.
BYD aims to launch the double-decker version by the third quarter of 2024, followed shortly by its single-decker counterpart and a provincial version expected by the end of 2025. The company has not disclosed specific sales targets or volume projections yet.
This strategic move may position BYD as a strong competitor against Wrightbus’s New Routemaster — London's current default which ended production in 2017 due to its hybrid design’s limitations with London’s all-electric bus fleet goal by 2030.
Currently, London buses travel between 100 and 200 miles (160 to 320 km) daily—significantly less than what BYD’s BD11 offers.
Source: Autocar