BYD has introduced a Type A battery-electric school bus that features vehicle-to-grid technology, allowing the vehicle to serve as a power storage resource when it’s not transporting students.
Type A school buses are typically used on routes with fewer students, or for transporting students with disabilities. The BYD Type A can seat up to 30, and is available in lengths of 26.7, 24.5 or 22.9 feet. It can be equipped with an ADA liftgate capable of lifting 800 pounds. Standard safety features include electronic stability control and an electronic braking system.
The bus features a lithium iron phosphate battery, and has a range of up to 140 miles. BYD offers two charging solutions: 19.2 kW single-phase AC and 150 kW DC.
BYD says its battery-electric technology can cut fuel costs and maintenance costs by as much as 60% compared to diesel vehicles.
“Just like our Type D bus introduced last year, our Type A bus bidirectional charging capability is a game-changer,” said Samuel Kang, BYD’s Head of Total Technology Solutions. “School buses can be charged overnight when energy demand is low, and clean emission-free energy can be fed back into the classroom during school hours when the bus is parked.”
Source: BYD