BYD, the world’s leading manufacturer of new energy vehicles and power batteries, has signed a significant order with Golden Arrow, a 163-year-old premier bus operator in South Africa, to supply 120 electric buses to promote the electrification of local public transport. This agreement marks a historic step towards establishing the first electric bus fleet in South Africa, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainable transportation and reducing carbon emissions. AD Huang, the General Manager of BYD Middle East and Africa, was present at the signing ceremony.
BYD’s electric buses have undergone an extensive period of rigorous testing with Golden Arrow since 2021. Under demanding conditions such as simulating peak passenger capacities and conquering Cape Town’s steepest inclines, the robustness and reliability of BYD’s electric buses were unequivocally demonstrated. The successful trials confirmed the vehicles’ superior performance, extended charge range, and uncompromised safety standards. paving the way for the order of 120 new 65-seat electric buses, designed to seamlessly integrate with Golden Arrow’s current fleet.
The new fleet of 12.5-meter-long electric buses is equipped with lithium iron phosphate batteries and incorporates BYD’s unique six-in-one controller, which integrates six critical components into one single compact module for enhanced efficiency and reliability. The electric buses will not only contribute to a greener environment but also provide passengers with a quieter and more comfortable travel experience.
“As a South African, it is a great honor to introduce BYD electric buses and its advanced technologies to South Africa,” said Steve Chang, General Manager of BYD South Africa. “We are thrilled to partner with Golden Arrow in this groundbreaking initiative. This order is a testament to our shared vision of a sustainable future and highlights the increasing adoption of clean energy solutions in South Africa.”
Francois Meyer, CEO of Golden Arrow, expressed his pride in the company’s pioneering role: “As a company with such a rich history, we are proud to be the first to bring electric buses to South Africa’s public transport space. This partnership with BYD underscores our commitment to innovation and sustainability.”
The delivery of the electric buses is scheduled to commence in December of this year, with plans for full delivery by the end of next year. To date, BYD’s commercial vehicles have its footprint over 6 continents, including cities like Amsterdam, London, Tokyo, and Sao Paulo, and successfully delivered more than 80,000 electric buses to customers around the world.