Photo: BYD
California is somehow the Mecca of green cars now, with every new technology being tested and first implemented there. After Toyota made its Prius hybrid popular there and Tesla brought the firs all electric luxury sedan, it’s the Chinese turn to come up with their electric bus.
Chinese automaker BYD recently unveiled its first EV bus manufactured entirely in California. The historic ceremony at Lancaster was attended by State of California Governor Jerry Brown along with BYD CEO Stella Li and Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris.
“The City of Lancaster strongly believes in the importance of building solid private-public partnerships, such as our ongoing relationship with BYD. Together, we were recognized internationally for our innovative solar programs at the 2012 World Energy Globe Awards,” said City of Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris.
“BYD continues to bring much-needed manufacturing jobs to our community, having already brought more than 60 new jobs to our region. We look forward to their continued growth, and the resulting economic prosperity they bring to the Antelope Valley and the State of California,” he added.
The electric bus runs entirely on battery power, which can last up to 24 hours or around 155 miles (249 km) while peak charging time is set around 3 to 5 hours. It has no transmission, clutch or range extenders, which makes for a very flat and low floor. It’s also 40 foot (12.1 m) long and can hold up to 60 passengers.
Currently, the California BYD plant employees 60 American workers and has plans to increase the number to 100 by the end of the year and add 200 more in 2015.
“The City of Lancaster strongly believes in the importance of building solid private-public partnerships, such as our ongoing relationship with BYD. Together, we were recognized internationally for our innovative solar programs at the 2012 World Energy Globe Awards,” said City of Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris.
“BYD continues to bring much-needed manufacturing jobs to our community, having already brought more than 60 new jobs to our region. We look forward to their continued growth, and the resulting economic prosperity they bring to the Antelope Valley and the State of California,” he added.
The electric bus runs entirely on battery power, which can last up to 24 hours or around 155 miles (249 km) while peak charging time is set around 3 to 5 hours. It has no transmission, clutch or range extenders, which makes for a very flat and low floor. It’s also 40 foot (12.1 m) long and can hold up to 60 passengers.
Currently, the California BYD plant employees 60 American workers and has plans to increase the number to 100 by the end of the year and add 200 more in 2015.
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