BYD’s new Type A school bus

BYD has introduced a new Type A battery electric vehicle, a zero-emission school bus that the company said combines design, performance and safety together in a package built to meet the needs of students and administrators.

BYD has launched a new Type A electric school bus. BYD photo.

The BYD Type A school bus offers vehicle-to-grid technology, allowing the vehicle to serve as a power storage resource when it’s not transporting students. With length options of 26.7 ft., 24.5 ft. and 22.9 ft., the bus can seat up to 30 passengers and can be equipped with an ADA liftgate capable of lifting 800 lb., making it perfect for routes with fewer students and for transporting those with disabilities, the company said.

At the heart of the BYD Type A is its lithium iron phosphate battery, which drives a pair of ac synchronous motors. BYD offers two kind of charging solutions to meet different needs. A 150 kW dc charging solution is available with high charging power and efficiency and the vehicle is also available with 19.2 kW single phase ac charging.

“This is a timely solution,” said Stella Li, president of BYD North America. “BYD’s Type A battery electric school bus is designed to be there for school districts 24 hours a day, both as a vehicle and power storage resource. The BYD combination of top-notch safety features, innovative design and reliable performance makes this a practical and highly affordable zero-emission solution.”