BYD wins Schiphol contract: 35 pure electric buses for airside services

Amsterdam, July 16th, 2013. Fast growing automotive supplier BYD has scored a major victory – it has been selected to supply a new fleet of electric buses to transfer passengers between the terminals and aircraft at Europe’s leading airport, Amsterdam Schiphol. The emission free BYD ebus models, due to enter service in July 2014, will replace an ageing fleet of specialised conventionally powered buses.

The SUBSS Project (SUstainable Bus System Schiphol) aims to provide a new generation of emission free airside transfer vehicles which will enhance the airport’s image with passengers and airlines, reduce bus maintenance and management costs and improve air quality by reducing the emission of CO2 and NOx.

The order, won through competitive tender in the face of intense pressure from four other established suppliers, is a major triumph for BYD since Amsterdam’s leading position makes it a role model in the airport industry. All European airports are facing pressures to cut harmful emissions.

The BYD ebus is a well proven full size single deck bus which has completed more than 17 million kilometres in passenger carrying services and has been trialled in major cities across Europe.

BYD, which has its European headquarters in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, is rolling out a wide range of pure electric vehicles, including buses and taxis, as part of its Green City Solutions programme. All these vehicles use the company’s advanced and environmentally friendly iron-phosphate Fe batteries for their power.

Jos Nijhuis, CEO & President Schiphol Group : “Amsterdam Airport Schiphol will be the first airport in the world making bus transport at airside electric. After a European open tender, the contract was awarded to the best bid in terms of quality, energy performance and price. The switch to electric buses will help us in creating a healthier and more pleasant environment for travellers and employees alike. The buses will be put into operation in 2014, making transportation at the airport more environmentally friendly and more sustainable.”

 “Winning this contract is a vital step in our programme to deliver emissions free public transport vehicles”, said Isbrand Ho, BYD Europe’s Managing Director. “We won this contract on the strength of our proven technology and ability to support what is a 10-year operating contract. We are fully confident that this high-profile contract will persuade many other bus operators – inside and outside the airport business – that we can meet their needs”.

The motivation behind the Schiphol SUBSS project is complex. Some of the current buses are approaching the end of their technical service life, mainly because of wear and tear of the fossil fuel engines which rarely reach optimal operating temperatures on short journeys from terminal to aircraft.This results in high maintenance costs and poor emissions performance. Research has shown that passengers consider the inhaling of emissions to be very annoying. The current buses have also proved to be too big at 14 metres long and 2.7 metres wide for the Schiphol airside infrastructure, resulting in regular accidental damage.

The emissions free BYD ebus is 12m metres long – the same size as normal buses operating on city streets.

L.A. Metro to Purchase Its First Electric Buses for Los Angeles County Transit Riders

LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) Board of Directors today approved a contract with BYD Motors for the manufacture and delivery of up to 25 new all-electric buses as part of a $30 million clean air bus technology pilot project.

This is the first time in Metro’s history that all-electric, zero-emission transit buses will be purchased and placed into revenue service as the agency evaluates electric bus technologies and their applicability to meet L.A.’s rigorous transit needs.

Metro’s Advanced Transit Vehicle Consortium (ATVC), a partnership with L.A. City, L.A. County and South Coast Air Quality Management District, will initially purchase five low-floor, 40-foot all-electric buses. After an initial period of testing and evaluation, Metro may then choose to purchase up to 20 additional buses. Metro will also initiate a new solicitation to convert six existing Metro gasoline electric hybrid buses to Super Low Emission Bus standards.

The BYD contract contains a local jobs component that stipulates that the firm implement a local jobs program. BYD will comply by performing final assembly of bus components at its new manufacturing facilities in L.A. County. A Lancaster, California plant, which opened in May, is the international firm’s first manufacturing facility in the United States.

“Metro already operates the nation’s largest compressed natural gas bus fleet, but this initiative sets Metro on a new course for transitioning to even cleaner electric buses that will be assembled right here in Los Angeles County at the BYD manufacturing plant in Lancaster,” said Michael D. Antonovich, L.A. County Supervisor and Metro Board Chair.

In 2011 Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa co-authored a motion with Metro board members and County Supervisors Don Knabe and Antonovich to jump-start Metro’s Super Low/Zero Emission Bus Program to meet future vehicle emission reduction targets set by the California Air Resources Board.

The program seeks to test rapidly evolving electric vehicle technologies that have enhanced operating characteristics including extended range, better integrated subsystems and lighter weight construction. Metro will evaluate whether the new all-electric buses can reduce operating and maintenance costs and lower life cycle costs compared with Metro’s current fleet.

BYD’s electric buses use the company’s own iron phosphate rechargeable batteries which can reportedly travel 155 miles between charges with a full passenger load. The firm has manufacturered more than 1,000 electric buses in China and was rated highest in the proposal process for technical compliance, project management and past performance.

“In 2010, when BYD made Los Angeles its North American corporate headquarters it signaled L.A.’s emergence as a center for tomorrow’s clean vehicle technologies,” said Mayor Villaraigosa. “Through partnerships like this contract, BYD is helping Los Angeles continue to lead the way in developing clean, green transportation solutions, and keeping L.A. at the forefront of the cleantech revolution.”

Metro anticipates receiving the new buses early next year. Following an initial evaluation and testing period, Metro plans to initiate new procurements for additional “next generation” zero-emission and super low emission buses based on technology developments anticipated within the next one to three years.

“BYD very much admires the forward-thinking vision of Metro and is thrilled about partnering with this great transit agency to deliver truly zero-direct-emissions buses while building up local California jobs to support these buses from our L.A. Headquarters or our bus assembly plant in Lancaster, California,” said Stella Li, BYD Motors President.

The program is part of a larger effort to test clean air prototype buses prior to the next Metro replacement bus proceurement in 2016. Funding for the buses has been made available using Measure R funds dedicated for transit operations. Currently, Metro has a fleet of 2,238 clean air compressed natural gas buses operating on 183 bus routes throughout Los Angeles County.

For additional information on Metro transit services, please visit www.metro.net

BYD and FENECON sign contract for 1000 storage systems

During Intersolar BYD Europe and FENECON signed a contract for proceeding with the successful development- and distribution-partnership. The contract volume until end of 2014 covers a total of 1000 energy storage systems of DESS-series, which FENECON is selling to PV installation companies.

Both companies were already cooperating for more than 2 years, developing the successful series of 3-phase storage systems as well as the new hybrid-systems, which were shown to the public the first time during Intersolar.

Franz-Josef Feilmeier, CEO of FENECON, is convinced of the potentials of BYD-DESS: “While most storage system manufacturers are still relying on simple balancing meter systems or charge extensive prices for technically advanced concepts, BYD is leading the market in technology as well as in total costs per kWh. Seeing that the market increasingly asks for ‘intelligent storage systems’ instead of plain ‘PV-batteries’ leaves us confident to win many more installation partners. With BYD as our partner we are well prepared to fulfill the customer’s requirements”

With a subsidy of state-owned-bank KfW, which especially prefers long-life-design and smart and intelligent DC-systems with lithium-batteries, Germany is the future core-market for sales of Distributed Energy Storage Systems (DESS) by BYD. Julia Chen, senior development business manager of BYD energy is pleased about the cooperation: “We are very happy to continue this successful and close partnership for storage systems. With a technically experienced team and the deep understanding of customers’ requirements, FENECON is the optimal partner to successfully carry out our philosophy of ‘technological leadership at affordable prices’.”

BYD is a Chinese high-tech company and specializes in IT, automobile and new energy with 180,000 employees and an annual turnover of about 8 billion USD. BYD – Build Your Dreams, is a market leader in energy storage, electric vehicles and electric busses based on Fe Battery technology. It realized the world’s largest energy storage stations and successfully sells e-cars and e-buses. Based on this experience BYD is developing smart energy storage systems, which perfectly integrate in a next-generation energy concept and are designed for 20+ years lifetime. BYD-products are sold by chosen distribution partners to installers and PV-companies. This ensures technical competence, warehousing, service etc. close to the customer. The DESS-series is already used in households and businesses on all continents.

FENECON is a Germany-based wholesaler for energy storage systems, solar modules and LED-lighting with a sales office in Senegal/Africa. The company is well known in the renewable energy market for its clear commitment to an economical and decentralized energy supply based on the three fundamentals: ‘energy production with PV’, ‘energy efficiency with LED’ and ‘energy storage with smart storage systems’, and was awarded with respective prizes. FENECON’s experienced technical and sales team for storage solutions has successfully implemented a high two-digit number of storage systems already.

BYD and FENECON sign contract for 1000 storage systems

During Intersolar BYD Europe and FENECON signed a contract for proceeding with the successful development- and distribution-partnership. The contract volume until end of 2014 covers a total of 1000 energy storage systems of DESS-series, which FENECON is selling to PV installation companies.

Both companies were already cooperating for more than 2 years, developing the successful series of 3-phase storage systems as well as the new hybrid-systems, which were shown to the public the first time during Intersolar.

 

Franz-Josef Feilmeier, CEO of FENECON, is convinced of the potentials of BYD-DESS: “While most storage system manufacturers are still relying on simple balancing meter systems or charge extensive prices for technically advanced concepts, BYD is leading the market in technology as well as in total costs per kWh. Seeing that the market increasingly asks for ‘intelligent storage systems’ instead of plain ‘PV-batteries’ leaves us confident to win many more installation partners. With BYD as our partner we are well prepared to fulfill the customer’s requirements”

 

With a subsidy of state-owned-bank KfW, which especially prefers long-life-design and smart and intelligent DC-systems with lithium-batteries, Germany is the future core-market for sales of Distributed Energy Storage Systems (DESS) by BYD. Julia Chen, senior development business manager of BYD energy is pleased about the cooperation: “We are very happy to continue this successful and close partnership for storage systems. With a technically experienced team and the deep understanding of customers’ requirements, FENECON is the optimal partner to successfully carry out our philosophy of ‘technological leadership at affordable prices’.”

 

BYD is a Chinese high-tech company and specializes in IT, automobile and new energy with 180,000 employees and an annual turnover of about 8 billion USD. BYD – Build Your Dreams, is a market leader in energy storage, electric vehicles and electric busses based on Fe Battery technology. It realized the world’s largest energy storage stations and successfully sells e-cars and e-buses. Based on this experience BYD is developing smart energy storage systems, which perfectly integrate in a next-generation energy concept and are designed for 20+ years lifetime. BYD-products are sold by chosen distribution partners to installers and PV-companies. This ensures technical competence, warehousing, service etc. close to the customer. The DESS-series is already used in households and businesses on all continents.

 

FENECON is a Germany-based wholesaler for energy storage systems, solar modules and LED-lighting with a sales office in Senegal/Africa. The company is well known in the renewable energy market for its clear commitment to an economical and decentralized energy supply based on the three fundamentals: ‘energy production with PV’, ‘energy efficiency with LED’ and ‘energy storage with smart storage systems’, and was awarded with respective prizes. FENECON’s experienced technical and sales team for storage solutions has successfully implemented a high two-digit number of storage systems already.

Not only grid parity, but also grid quality!

BYD solution launch on Munich Intersolar Exhibition

June 19, 2013, BYD attended Intersolar exhibition in Munich again with its overall solution “Not only grid parity, but also grid quality!”-PV + Tracking System + Inverter + Energy Storage Solution as the theme. BYD’s participation greatly enlivened the gray atmosphere brought by EU Double Reverse and lit up the hope of grid connected photovoltaic power generation.

As the first Chinese enterprise honored with “Zayed Future Energy Prize” in large enterprise category, BYD has got involved in several business fields of IT, automobile and new energy. A few years ago, BYD invested heavily to build its new energy empire while it had already achieved a great deal of successes in areas of IT and conventional vehicles. BYD always takes it as its mission to develop more advanced green technologies to serve the society and help settle global energy and environmental problems.

Under the pressure of EU double reverse and cost, many companies have slowed down their development and upgrading of new technologies. BYD has improved the technologies regarding its PV modules all over again after the introduction of its high efficient new PV module technologies. This PV manufacturer has realized mass-production PV modules featuring high-efficient and long lifespan by use of the double glass components that reduce the amount of precious mental and adopt new packaging materials. There are 3 outstanding cell technologies (NEW, CUB and SNB) that improve the efficiency up to 17.8%. Other 5 photovoltaic module technologies are also included: DPG, NEC, POP, TJB and ABC which could be applied on double glass components and promote the output power by 10%, resulting in lower costs and long service life more than 40 years.

In order to increase power output and reduce system cost, BYD developed a unique tracking system for solar power station project. “Our tracking system makes the power more stable, exactly matches generated power with electrical load, which can reduce the peak-regulation pressure of traditional power.” BYD relevant personnel said.

Due to its unique advantages, battery energy storage will contribute a great share in the future development of new energy. BYD`s Fe battery energy storage system can smooth PV output and transfer energy storage, being the best of the best in battery storage. It can further improve the quality of photovoltaic power to traditional power level so as to provide optimal new energy solutions to area with unstable power grid.

“Innovation is part of BYD’s DNA”! – JUWI client gave BYD such an evaluation. By June 20^th, the second day of the exhibition, visitor flow slightly decreased, but BYD booth still received a large quantity of enquiries from the customers, unusually popular. BYD new energy overall solution, “PV + Tracking System + Inverter + Energy Storage System”, had been highly praised and recognized by many domestic and foreign customers, and many customers expressed their strong expectation to cooperate with BYD. After carefully inquiring BYD`s specific product information with the personnel, JUWI client cannot help complimenting: “Innovation is part of BYD’s DNA”! Being able to receive such high affirmation fully demonstrates BYD`s capability in technological innovation and makes BYD invincible.

BYD’s pure electric ebus begins trials in Warsaw

● BYD ebus in service on Polish Capital’s key route

● Brings comfortable journeys and fuel savings

● Zero emission transport

● 250 km on one charge    

BYD ebus on the main route of Warsaw      

An all-electric BYD ebus is now carrying passengers in the Polish Capital. MZA Warsaw, the municipal transport company, is testing the environmentally friendly bus from the Chinese auto giant BYD until June 18, 2013. The bus is working on route 222, which runs through some of the main streets of Warsaw, such as Trakt Królewski.

Comfort of journey and fuel savings 

The BYD ebus delivers a host of benefits not only for the environment but also for the public transport and the bus operator. It does not emit any harmful fumes into the environment. What is more, it is very quiet and ensures a comfortable journey without the vibrations, jerks or noise associated with the conventional buses with combustion engines.

Operators appreciate the fuel savings. The price of electricity per 100 km for the BYD ebus equals to 50 zloty, while the current combustion engines consume more than 40 l. of diesel fuel per 100 km, which costs at least 200 zł/ 100km. With a daily mileage of 250 km, the bus provides saving of at least 395 zloty per day, and 10,665 zloty for 27 working days (one month). For that reason one bus may provide savings of at least 127,980 zloty annually. 

Zero emission

The BYD ebus is an all-electric vehicle. It does not emit harmful fumes into environment. This pure electric solution guarantees an appropriate range of the bus no matter what the road conditions.

The BYD ebus is a unique vehicle, from the start it was built as an electric bus and not a converted bus from a conventional power unit. What is more, it features appropriate weight distribution, thanks to the smart utilization of the battery weight, and that is why it has great level of driveability. The ebus also has a well-developed system of energy recovery, which allows the batteries to be recharged during braking.

250 km on one charge

The BYD ebus can drive for 250 km even in heavy city traffic after one full charge. This is the furthest range of any electric bus. Charging time depends on the applied charger. The bus that is tested charges in the depot in just 5 hours from a completed depleted battery.

Pure electric BYD buses have been used in public transport since 2011. In China already 1,000 such buses have been built In the city of Shenzhen, 200 BYD electric buses have together accumulated almost 17 million km in passenger carrying service. In the first quarter of 2013 the BYD ebus obtained full European certification. This allowed the company to start selling buses on the European market. The Dutch province of Friesland is the first place in Europe where BYD electric buses are in use.

BYD ebus

The ebus built by BYD, is the first pure-electric bus powered by Iron-Phosphate battery in the world. More than 250 BYD ebuses are now in passenger carrying operations – by far the largest number from any bus brand. BYD ebus measures 12 meters long and is designed for customer transport comfort in mind. The technically advanced and specially designed wheel-hub motor, and its electronically controlled air suspension can offer customers a product with an exceptionally low floor, multiple door choices, and ample floor space for easy passenger access.

The imposing windscreen occupies two thirds of the frontal area of the bus for maximum viewing as well as safety. The bus body conveys an elegant exterior image, while the interior boasts an air of quality with adjustable driver’s seat, durable seats for passengers and a carefully engineered sound insulation keeping the interior ride whisper quiet.

BYD’s pure electric bus employs many advanced technologies developed in-house by BYD’s 15,000 engineers strong R&D team. For example, the Iron-Phosphate battery or “Fe Battery” used on the BYD ebus is safe and non-polluting: the materials contained in the battery can be recycled or safely disposed of.

BYD ebus Project

Orders have been awarded in China, the Netherlands, Finland, Denmark, Uruguay, Canada and the United States. The BYD electric bus has also been successfully tested in many cities in Europe including Madrid, Barcelona, Budapest, Salzburg, and etc. The accumulated mileage of the 200 electric buses operating in the city of Shenzhen(China) alone have exceeded 15 million kilometers (or 9.3 million miles) by the end of March 2013.

BYD ebus Highlights

Environmentally friendly
• No direct emissions
• Low noise
• Recyclable Fe battery: no toxic electrolytes and no heavy metals

Advanced technology
• Regenerative Braking
• Wheel-hub motor
• Fe battery
• Charging convenience
• Fully charged in 5 hours.

Extended range
• The BYD ebus is able to run 250 km (155 miles ) on a single charge in urban conditions

Safety
• Unibody construction
• 4-wheel disc brakes
• ABS and ASR

Passenger-oriented design
• Airy designed interior space with low-entry
• Special ramps for wheelchair access
• Non-step passenger cabin

Wheel-hub Motor
The in-house developed rear drive axle installed on the BYD ebus is the core technology in BYD’s electric buses. The rear drive axle system integrates the wheel-hub drive and regenerative braking technologies, and at the same time, provides exceptional passenger comfort Electric Models.

Based on its core Fe Battery technology, BYD has worked out a Green City Solution, which aims to electrify urban public transportation systems by transitioning from gasoline and diesel buses and taxis to pure electric ones. In March 2012, BYD and Daimler AG officially announced the entirely new EV brand Denza in China.

In addition, BYD has also focused on the Research & Development and manufacturing of a wide range of new energy products, including energy storage system, solar energy products and LED lighting. For more information, please visit www.byd.com,  www.facebook.com/bydcompany or email pr@byd.com.

Aruba Partners with BYD in Zero-Emissions Initiative, Energy Independence by 2020

BYD to Supply Grid-Scale Energy Storage, Solar and Electrified Transportation Solutions

ORANJESTAD, ARUBA – June 10th, 2013: Today, Aruba’s Prime Minister Mike G. Eman, Minister of Finance, Mike de Meza, and Mr. Frank Hoevertsz, the Managing-Director of Utilities Aruba N.V. signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with BYD Company Limited, BYD America’s President, Ms. Stella Li. The MOU outlines Aruba’s plans to be the first Nation with a  completely zero-carbon footprint and energy independence (with only clean sustainable renewable power sources). The four major objectives in the MOU included electrifying all public transportation (with zeroemissions vehicles), substantially increasing renewable energy generation (both solar and wind), making those resource dispatchable upon demand with distributed, environmentally-friendly, energy storage and lastly a nation-wide plan for public re-education and sustainability programs in all schools. Through each of these, Aruba plans to use BYD green-technologies to pursue its goal of becoming an President, Ms. Stella Li. The MOU outlines Aruba’s plans to be the first Nation with a completely zero-carbon footprint and energy independence (with only clean sustainable renewable power sources). The four major objectives in the MOU included electrifying all public transportation (with zeroemissions vehicles), substantially increasing renewable energy generation (both solar and wind), making those resource dispatchable upon demand with distributed, environmentally-friendly, energy storage and lastly a nation-wide plan for public re-education and sustainability programs in all schools. Through each of these, Aruba plans to use BYD green-technologies to pursue its goal of becoming an emissions-free Nation by the year 2020. 

Prime Minister Eman welcomed Stella Li to beautiful Aruba and led the ceremony by stating, “We are excited about the MOU we are signing. This document signifies both parties interests and commitment to work together to introduce electric vehicles and green products in Aruba. In our transition phase towards 100% sustainability, BYD will support Aruba demonstrating how to convert all our vehicles, including cars, buses, taxis and all private and public vehicles into electrified transportation”. The first and most important of all these initiatives is the electrification of public transportation. Aruba plans to place into service four BYD zero-emission, long-range all-electric buses and one BYD e6 electric taxi comprising a fleet for public/government use by September-end 2013. Energy generation and storage are the next areas of development that Aruba has committed to pursuing. The nation has plans to double their wind farms and make these farms self-sustaining and dispatchable using BYD’s Iron-Phosphate grid-scale storage technologies. Leveraging these same battery Energy Storage Stations, they will also deploy new, large-scale stand-alone BYD Solar generation projects throughout the island. Ms. Li remarked that, “BYD Company was completely impressed by the vision of the government leaders of Aruba and fully supported Aruba becoming the first completely sustainable Nation in the World.”

 

The third objective in Aruba’s plan uses BYD LED technology to reduce electricity consumption

and build up vital communities through education and infrastructural improvements. Aruba will

convert much of their public lighting to high-efficiency BYD LED Street and Indoor Lighting Solutions. Further, there are plans to electrify all of its schools using rooftop solar installations and build education programs around sustainability programs. The nation intends to use BYD solar generation, external and internal LED lighting systems, and electric vehicles to develop its “smart community” project in Kibaima. The Kibaima project, conceived in 2012, has operated as an exemplar and “laboratory” for sustainability ventures throughout the nation. Minister de Meza elaborated on the prime minister’s comments by stating that, “Aruba is honored to work together with BYD. In the light of BYD’s broad portfolio of green technologies, especially in renewable energy and storage, Aruba is very happy to partner with you. We have a vision and a plan to have 100% sustainable energy by 2020. There are only seven years left.” Minister de Meza also explained to Mrs. Li that “Aruba is already working with renowned institutions like the Carbon War Room, TNO, among others. But with today’s MOU, BYD has become part of the Aruba green family”.

 

Ms. Li told the prime ministers Eman and de Meza that “they both have amazing visions for their

country and BYD has the technology to help them realize their dreams — we are one of the largest solar panel providers in the world with ample experience and we are the largest environmentally-friendly, energy storage provider in the world!” In reaching each of these goals, Aruba aims to lead the world in carbon footprint reductions and be a catalyst and example to the other Caribbean and Latin American Nations. For more information, visit BYD at  ww.facebook.com/bydcompany and http://www.byd.com

BYD DESS’s Trip to Italy

In May, BYD energy storage products once again head for Italy. With the help of Enerpoint, a top player among European new energy products distributors, BYD Distributed Energy Storage System successfully finished its road show in Italy. Once again BYD DESS, which adopts BYD core Fe battery technology, was proved to be a superstar and the crowded audience has been undoubtedly the greatest recognition of it.

 

The Road show was successively held in Milan, Rome and Bari, covering North, Centre and South of Italy where Enerpoint’s distribution channel is active, with a total number of 143 installers. Enerpoint is one of the best new energy products distributors in Italy, and has vast experience in promoting green products with large clients resource, while BYD owns the world leading energy storage battery technology. With this golden combination, they are bringing high-tech energy storage systems to installers and local customers.

Italy, for a long time, mainly imported electricity from its neighbor countries and the in-house energy mainly came from oil-fired and gas power generation. In order to reduce the
dependence on oil, the government encouraged the expansion of renewable energy like wind power, water power, solar power which had been well developed in the last years. Nevertheless, renewable power generation has insurmountable problems like unpredictability, fluctuations and instability. In addition, the lack of storage technology restricted the development of new energy as well.

Starting in 1995 with battery business, BYD has the world class battery technology, and successfully launched its core battery technology, Fe battery, as the best solution for energy storage systems. Fe battery features with high energy density, high safety and very long service life.
Energy storage systems can efficiently solve the fluctuations and instability of the electricity generated by renewable energy. With the application of energy storage system, on one hand the electricity generated by wind, solar or water could be stored, especially when the production is far beyond the consumption and then released to the loads when peak time. On the other hand, battery energy storage system could smooth the oscillations and make the output stable.
The CEO of Enerpoint, Mr. Paolo Rocco Viscontini stated: “We are pleased to have BYD advanced DESS here in Italy. We are confident in BYD, BYD products and our cooperation. Even though the market is not that open at this stage, with our great effort we will succeed”. BYD Deputy General Manager, Julia Chen, expressed her hope that BYD technology and its products can really bring benefits and convenience to the area. Meanwhile, she was satisfied of the renewed cooperation and wish to work more closely to achieve a win-win situation.

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton rides in BYD pure-electric Taxi across Colombia

May 22nd 2013 – President Bill Clinton visited the historical city of Cartagena, Colombia today to support government officials in their  climate-change actions. He was accompanied by the Mayor of Bogota,  Gustavo Pedro during a test drive in the city’s newest, pure-electric, zero-emissions taxis  –  the BYD  e6. Colombia officials assigned the BYD pure electric taxi e6 as the only transport vehicle for  President Clinton during his visit to Colombia. President Clinton  discussed global warming and climate change with Mayor Pedro  and gave him advice on new actions to take. During their break  period, Mr. Clinton was interested to see the electro-mechanical structures of the e6.

Clinton even opened the front hood of e6 himself to view the internal structure. He was quite impressed and stated, that “such a pure electric taxi would be quite helpful improving urban air  conditions.”

Mayor Pedro was the vehicle driver with Mr. Clinton sitting in the co-pilot position  (not pictured was Environment Secretary-General of Colombia in the back seat). The mayor said in a communiqué later, “the Clinton Climate Initiative (CCI) has been very supportive of Bogota Human City Development Program, joining together with Bogota to develop pure electric taxi pilot program, also implementing the hybrid and pure electric bus program, and establishing the city funds to mitigate risks to face the climate change issues.”  The Mayor  continued saying,  “the purpose of meeting with Mr. Clinton is to reinforce the working relationship between administrative organization, Clinton Climate Initiative and the C40 organization, taking necessary measures to reduce global warming on the risks of different cities.”

Through a partnership of the public and private sectors, Clinton  Climate Initiative promotes environmental protection and supports the Government of Bogota with the implementation of  electrified  public transportation.  At the  end of last year, BYD announced the launch of the first pure electric taxi fleets in Bogota, Colombia, designed to work together with Bogotá, to promote the urban public transportation electrification, relieving urban congestion and improving air quality.  With BYD’s urban public transportation electrification solution, the pure electric bus also received accolades during the Clinton Climate Initiative’s  C40  Bus testing programs. With its excellent energy performance, the BYD electric bus  was been recognized as the  most efficient  bus operationally and environmentally. This third party’s test report was strong evidence for the superiority of BYD electric bus.

About BYD

BYD is ranked #1 at the top of Bloomberg’s and Business Week’s 2009 Tech 100 List 
(http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20100520006751/en/BYD-Tops-Bloomberg-Bu sinessweek%E2%80%99s-12th-Annual-Tech ) and is the leading manufacturer of advanced, environmentally-friendly battery technologies like the  Iron Phosphate  battery used in BYD  electric vehicles and electric buses. BYD’s solar panels and LED Lighting
systems have CEC, TUV/CE and UL listings, and the company enjoys rapid growth in the consumer electronics space and electrified transportation sector, manufacturing under its BYD brand. BYD is the fastest-growing Chinese automotive and green energy technology enterprise. The company trades on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKSE) under the ticker numbers HK.0285 – BYD Electronics and HK.1211 – BYD Company Ltd., as well as 
on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange under the ticker number 002594 – BYD Company Ltd. For more information, please visit  www.byd.com,  www.facebook.com/bydcompany  or emailpr@byd.com.  

Contacts

In CHINA: 
Sherry Li, BYD 
pr@byd.com 
tel: +86-755-8988-8888

In US:
Micheal Austin, BYD
micheal.austin@byd.com 
tel:  1(800)  BYD-AUTO

Hong Kong’s First Pure-Electric Taxis Begin Service, Revolutionizing Public Transport

HONG KONG–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Today, BYD announced the launch of Hong Kong’s first all-electric taxi fleet, BYD e6 electric cross-over sedan at a launch ceremony held at the Hong Kong Science Park. BYD closely collaborated with Sime Darby Motors Group (Sime Darby), Hong Kong Taxi & Public Light Bus Association Limited, The Link Management Limited, CLP Power Hong Kong Limited and The Hong Kong Electric Company Limited to place into service the first batch of 45, BYD e6 Taxis. BYD also announced that the e6 “Taxi version” and e6 “Premier” sedan were now officially on sale in Hong Kong. Mr. John Tsang Chun-wah, the GBM, JP, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Regional Government welcomed BYD to Hong Kong and reaffirmed his commitment to “promoting environmental sustainability by laying the foundation for Hong Kong to become a zero emissions city.”

Mr. Wang Chuan-fu, Chairman and President of BYD Company Limited affirmed, “As a leading innovator in the green-energy market sector, BYD uses best-of-breed EV technologies for our e6 Taxis and e6 Premier sedans launching in Hong Kong. This not only asserts our green vision for promoting environmental sustainability for a better world, but is also a significant step for us in bringing green transport to benefit all people — we greatly appreciate the presence of the Honorable Mr. Tsang at the ceremony today, as the support of the Government is of critical importance to the promotion and implementation of EVs in any country or region.” “The support of the taxi industry is essential to the mass-adoption of EVs,” remarked Mr. Wong Chung Keung, President and Chairman of the Hong Kong Taxi & Public Light Bus Association. “We fully support BYD and Sime Darby’s introduction of pure electric taxis in Hong Kong. Our association will embrace this trial project with enthusiasm. We believe our upcoming co-operation with BYD for the promotion of electric taxis in Hong Kong will successfully upgrade the taxi industry and our efforts will not go in vain. We aim for a more pollution-free environment and our target is full replacement of our present vehicles with electric ones in the near future.” Sime Darby offers Hong Kong drivers an eco-friendly transport supporting the development of a sustainable Hong Kong. Mr. Peter Goh, Managing Director of Sime Darby Motors Group said, “We are delighted to work with BYD in bringing the e6 Taxis and Premier sedans to Hong Kong, offering even more unique, eco-friendly driving and transport experiences. Today’s launch is another testament to our commitment to providing top quality and high price-performance-ratio vehicles to our customers.” The BYD e6 is a spacious, 5-passenger, crossover vehicle (EV) powered by the BYD Iron-Phosphate (or Fe) batteries — it has a very long battery life with the highest safety level in the industry. It takes only two hours to fully charge the e6 using AC charging equipment developed by BYD. This pure EV can then travel for an unprecedented range up to 300 km, providing both the driver and passengers with an incomparable driving experience and zero emissions/ zero pollution.

The availability of charging facilities is also critical to EV customers — in conjunction with the introduction of Hong Kong’s first pure electric taxi fleet and the e6 Premier sedans, BYD is setting up 47 chargers in 9 charging locations near car parks throughout Hong Kong as the first phase of deployment. To address the anticipated growth of EV adoption, BYD plans to increase the number of charging facilities as adoption rolls out. These charging stations are now dispersed across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, New Territories and Lantau Island. The selection of these locations was optimized with the taxi-driver, shift-change locations, while taking into consideration the distance between each station and forming a reasonable coverage network for convenience. In addition, it is only anticipated that a one-hour recharge would only be needed per shift (during a rest or lunch break). Pure electric vehicles are becoming a major trend in the world, especially in densely populated cities like Hong Kong, where many vehicles are driven in a compact area day and night — it is a pressing imperative that this public transportation becomes cleaner. The launch of the e6 Taxi and e6 Premier sedan underscores BYD’s commitment to its “three green dreams” strategy in new energy, which is comprised of; solar energy generation made relevant by environmentally-friendly energy storage, and responsibly using this green energy in electric vehicles. The BYD e6 is a key piece in the BYD vision Zero-Emissions-Eco-System, with this zero emission transport Sime and BYD help bring Hong Kong and its eco-conscious public closer to their goal of sustainability. For more information, please visit www.byd.com, www.facebook.com/bydcompany or email pr@byd.com.

About BYD
BYD is ranked #1 at the top of Bloomberg’s and Business Week’s 2009 Tech 100 List is the leading manufacturer of advanced, environmentally-friendly battery technologies like the Iron Phosphate battery used in BYD electric vehicles and electric buses. BYD’s solar panels and LED Lighting systems have CEC, TUV/CE and UL listings, and the company enjoys rapid growth in the consumer electronics space and electrified transportation sector, manufacturing under its BYD brand. BYD is the fastest-growing Chinese automotive and green energy technology enterprise. The company trades on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKSE) under the ticker numbers HK.0285 – BYD Electronics and HK.1211 – BYD Company Ltd., as well as on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange under the ticker number 002594 – BYD Company Ltd.

About Sime Darby
Sime Darby is a Malaysia-based diversified multinational involved in key growth sectors, namely, plantation, property, motors, industrial equipment, energy & utilities and healthcare. Founded in 1910, its business divisions seek to create positive benefits in the economy, environment and society where it has a presence. Sime Darby is committed to building a sustainable future for all its stakeholders. It is one of the largest companies on Bursa Malaysia with a market capitalization of USD18.6 billion as at 30 June 2012.

 

Contacts

BYD
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Sherry Li, +86-755-8988-8888
pr@byd.com
or
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Micheal Austin, 1(800) BYD-AUTO
micheal.austin@byd.com