Keolis Nederland BV – the Dutch subsidiary of global public transport provider Keolis – has awarded what is believed to be the largest ever single order for electric buses in Europe to BYD.
The order is made up of 259 pure-electric BYD eBuses which will start entering service from next summer.
The deal was reached after Keolis and BYD agreed a whole-life package which delivers a total transport solution and takes into account operational needs and passenger comfort requirements.
Afterwards, BYD Europe Managing Director, Isbrand Ho, said, “This is a momentous occasion for BYD 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 will see BYD’s 8.7-metre midi bus, 12-metre and new 13-metre eBus models 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 Keolis order comprises 206 of BYD’s best-selling 12-metre model all of which will be equipped with pantographs.
Frank Janssen, CEO 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.
“We’ve chosen BYD due to our excellent experience with their e-buses. These are a fundamental part in our daily operation to the full satisfaction of our passengers and employees. Furthermore, we trust in BYD’s expertise as a manufacturer in developing and maintaining battery-packages.”
