BYD has announced that it has secured what it says is the largest ever single order for electric buses in Europe in a deal with Keolis Nederland. The landmark order comprises 259 pure-electric, 100% emissions-free BYD eBuses scheduled for delivery from next summer.
“This is a momentous occasion for BYD,” said BYD Europe Managing Director, Isbrand Ho, “and also represents a huge commitment to electric mobility since it becomes the largest European fleet ever switched to electric at one time.”
The deal was confirmed on Friday 6 December at Keolis’ head office in Deventer following close cooperation between Keolis and BYD to devise a demanding whole-life package which delivers a total transport solution and takes into account operational needs and passenger comfort requirements.
The contract was signed by Frank Janssen, the CEO of Keolis Nederland and Isbrand Ho, Managing Director of BYD Europe.
The order comprises BYD’s 8.7-metre midi bus, 12-metre and new 13-metre eBus models, which will enter service from the end of 2020 on routes throughout the Netherlands’ IJssel-Vecht region, including front-line operations in the municipalities of Zwolle, Apeldoorn and Lelystad. The majority of the order is for 206 12-metre buses, all of which will be equipped with pantographs.
Frank Janssen, CEO of Keolis Nederland said: “It is another milestone for Keolis Nederland and the Keolis Group in developing and deploying electromobility solutions around the world and it reaffirms our commitment to supporting public transport authorities in the transition to sustainability.”
“This is another landmark deal for BYD in Europe,” added BYD Europe Managing Director, Isbrand Ho, “but, this is more than simply building and supplying 259 eBuses – significant though that is – we have worked tirelessly with Keolis to provide a complete transport solution. Delivery programmes on this scale,” he said, “can only be achieved through excellent cooperation and by striking up a long-term partnership. Our relationship with Keolis provides an excellent template to explore opportunities with other large fleet operators.”
