(BRK.A), (BRK.B)
Europe’s largest fleet of electric buses are now in service in London. The 51 single-decker buses were built in Britain as part of a partnership between China’s BYD Company (electric powertrain technology and batteries) and Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL).
The 51 buses are operated by Go-Ahead London from its Waterloo garage, servicing two Transport for London (TfL) routes – 507 and 521.
The order for the BYD ADL Enviro200EV buses follows a three-year trial that proved the buses could consistently run a 16-hour shift without a recharge. The long range of these vehicles is due to BYD’s iron-phosphate battery technology and the light aluminum body manufactured by ADL in Falkirk, Scotland.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “It’s vital that we act now to clean-up our capital’s toxic air and do everything we can to help prevent the thousands of deaths it causes each year. I’ve set out a comprehensive plan to improve our air, and the transformation of London’s bus fleet will play a key role in making our transport cleaner and healthier.
“These first two electric bus routes right through the heart of London are another step towards the end of conventional diesel buses on our roads. This will deliver extensive air quality benefits and position us as a true world leader in adopting ultra low emission vehicle technology.”
The introduction of this environmentally friendly bus fleet to London will contribute towards improved air quality for its residents as the buses are estimated to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 700 tons a year.
In a trial operation, BYD is also testing the world’s first pure electric double decker buses, five of which are in service with London operator Metroline on behalf of TfL. Future versions will be built in partnership with ADL.
BYD and Berkshire Hathaway
In 2008, Berkshire Hathaway bet on BYD’s potential, purchasing 225 million shares. It’s an investment that has paid off handsomely. Berkshire’s original investment of $230 million is now worth roughly $1.77 billion.
For More on BYD, read the Special Report: BYD, Berkshire’s Tesla.
© 2016 David Mazor
Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.