(BRK.A), (BRK.B)
BYD (Build Your Dreams), a world leader and pioneer in battery and zero-emission vehicles, has moved into the aviation services market.
BYD unveiled two new electric tow tractor models, or tugs, this month. The tugs are ideal for airport ground support equipment (GSE) needs including tarmacs and supporting aviation logistic centers and facilities, and also allow for rapid, restriction free charging.
BYD tugs offer greater energy and productivity efficiencies as well as lower operating costs and easier maintenance, as compared to its diesel, gas or lead acid battery counterparts. With a 25-ton towing capacity, BYD’s T250, rear cabin tug, and the T250F, forward cabin tug, are well designed, heavy duty solutions for both luggage transport and towing of regional jets. Using BYD’s proprietary iron-phosphate battery technology, the tugs are equipped with a fast charger integrated to the tractor, making the charging process easy and clean.
“These tugs are a tremendous opportunity to help transform the high pressure, high-duty cycle operations with customers requiring around the clock up-time,” said Brian Rippie, BYD’s Director of Material Handing. “We have already delivered forklifts to Hawaiian Airlines and United Airlines.”
Enhancing efficiency and safety in the workplace, the average BYD tug can fully charge in two hours with limitless charging opportunities, allowing operators 24/7 availability. In addition, where lead acid batteries’ performance drops off as it runs low on charge or in cold weather, BYD’s innovative batteries allow for constant, reliable power regardless of remaining charge. Withstanding the harshest working environment, BYD’s battery is non-toxic, environmentally-friendly, and the safest, most reliable on the market with an unbeatable 10-year warranty.
The world’s largest manufacturer of electric vehicles and batteries, BYD has the only truly integrated tug product, providing the chassis, battery, and charger from one source. Developed for indoor or outdoor use, the tug design includes weather proof dual 3-phase 80V AC brushless motors which produce the high power and torque that allow these tug models greater serviceability.
BYD’s Material Handling practice includes five (5) class 1, sit-down counter balance forklifts and now, three (3) tug products – one 5-ton and the two new 25-ton models. The BYD North American Material Handling practice began operations in the summer of 2015, delivering pilot forklifts to the Port of Los Angeles. Now, operations have grown to 20+ dealers covering 42 North American markets with deliveries to more than 200 customers, which include fleet customers like PepsiCo, Armstrong Flooring and Whirlpool. With a mission of “Forklifts Simplified,” the practice is rapidly expanding to meet customer demand for clean energy, battery-electric heavy-duty truck options.
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 has grown in value almost ten-fold, and is now worth roughly $1.96 billion.
For More on BYD, read the Special Report: BYD, Berkshire’s Tesla.
© 2018 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.