Category: BYD

Berkshire Hathaway-backed BYD has announced its partnership with Keolis in North America for the proposed Los Angeles SkyRail Express (LASRE).

Keolis is a global leader in the shared mobility market, with over a century of experience in enhancing the transit experience for passengers.

LASRE was awarded a Predevelopment (PDA) by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) for the Sepulveda Transit Corridor (STC) Project. Under the PDA, LASRE is working collaboratively with Metro to provide the most modern high-capacity SkyRail solution to ease congestion on the I-405 corridor between Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley and the Westside in the shortest timeframe possible.

SkyRail is an advanced, driverless, straddle-type transit system representing state-of-the-art technology that has evolved over nearly 60 years.

SkyRail is a growing transit option across the globe, including São Paulo, Bangkok, Cairo, Tokyo and Chongqing. In total, SkyRail covers 269 miles, with over 400 stations, and carries millions of passengers each day.

SkyRail is far lighter, less costly, faster, and easier to construct than comparable elevated structures required by traditional rail vehicles, increasing mobility options for a more sustainable future.

The advantages of SkyRail operating in the I-405 median include minimizing disruption to communities and making it a visible option that encourages taking public transportation. LASRE aims to deliver this project with the fastest construction time possible, compared to any other traditional rail technologies.

SkyRail would be configured for a potential peak line capacity of up to 22,000 passengers per hour per direction with a 2-minute headway.

SkyRail is a compelling alternative for the Sepulveda Corridor, providing a much-needed alternative to the heavily-traveled Sepulveda Pass, where over 400,000 people travel each weekday between the LA Basin and the San Fernando Valley through the 405 freeway and Sepulveda Blvd to get across the Santa Monica Mountains. SkyRail would link thousands of people who live, work, and play in the San Fernando Valley at four future stations: Ventura Blvd, Metro G Line, Sherman Way, and the Van Nuys Metrolink Station.

SkyRail alternatives would also provide a new transit connection from the main alignment to UCLA via electric bus, elevated SkyShuttle (APM), or an underground monorail within the main route.

© 2023 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway and BYD, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell a 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.

Berkshire Hathaway-backed BYD has launched its latest technological breakthrough, the BYD DiSus Intelligent Body Control System. This full-stack, self-developed system is designed exclusively for NEVs and represents a significant milestone for BYD, as it becomes the first Chinese automobile manufacturer to own intelligent vehicle body control technology throughout.

The BYD DiSus System is a systematic solution for vehicle body control, offering collaborative control in body dynamics, including lateral, longitudinal, and vertical motions. This comprehensive system of perception, decision-making, and execution significantly improves the driving experience, ensuring the vehicle is agile and effectively compatible in most driving scenarios.

Safety is a top priority for BYD, and the DiSus System minimizes the risk of vehicle rollover and reduces the displacement of occupants during high-speed cornering, full-throttle acceleration, or emergency braking. It also protects the vehicle from scratches and damages under various road conditions.

At the launch event, BYD showcased the DiSus-X, equipped in the Yangwang U9, which can dance, jump, and drive with only three wheels. The DiSus System is available in several models under the BYD Dynasty series, BYD Ocean series, DENZA, Yangwang, and the new brand launching this summer that specializes in professional and personalized identities.

As a global leader in NEVs, BYD is committed to driving technological advancements with a “technology-based, innovation-oriented” mindset and approach. The company’s aspiration is to take the development of Chinese NEVs to the next level globally and provide technological innovations for a better life.

Founded in 1995 as a rechargeable battery maker, BYD has diversified its business scope, covering automobiles, rail transit, new energy, and electronics. With over 30 industrial parks in China, the United States, Canada, Japan, Brazil, Hungary, and India, BYD is dedicated to providing zero-emission energy solutions that reduce global reliance on fossil fuels. Its new energy vehicle footprint covers six continents, over 70 countries and regions, and more than 400 cities.

BYD Auto, the automotive subsidiary of BYD, is focused on developing pure electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, aiming to accelerate the green transition of the global transportation sector. The company has mastered the core technologies of the entire industrial chain of new energy vehicles, including batteries, electric motors, electronic controllers, and automotive-grade semiconductors. BYD Auto is the world’s first carmaker to stop the production of fossil-fueled vehicles on EV shift and has remained the top new energy passenger vehicle sales in China for nine years in a row.

© 2023 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway and BYD, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell a 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.

Berkshire Hathaway-backed BYD, the world’s leading manufacturer of new energy vehicles, has introduced a range of pure-electric vehicles to consumers in Spain.

Three models make up BYD’s collection debuting in Spain: the BYD ATTO 3 C-Segment SUV, the BYD TANG SUV, and the BYD HAN executive sedan. All feature BYD’s innovative technology that is inspiring the EV market on a global scale, bringing exciting new 100% electric eco-friendly vehicle choices with high levels of standard equipment to consumers in Spain.

BYD customers in Spain will have local sales and aftersales support from three of the country’s most established automotive distribution groups: Astara, Quadis, and Caetano Retail Spain. There will be two BYD Pioneer Stores opening soon, one in Barcelona (Avenida Aragó 29) and the other in Madrid, on 20 Concha Espina Street, giving customers the opportunity to view and experience the future ways of mobility.

Customers in Spain now have access to electric vehicles such as the expressive BYD ATTO 3, a C-Segment SUV with modern European design, creating a dynamic silhouette. The BYD ATTO 3 offers exceptional intelligence and efficiency derived from pioneering EV technology. It is the first SUV to be built on BYD’s latest e-Platform 3.0. With a 60.5 kWh battery, the BYD ATTO 3 has a WLTP city range of 565 km and 420 km (WLTP combined) with an acceleration of 0-100 km/h in 7.3s. The BYD ATTO 3 has scored Five-Star Rating in Euro NCAP Safety Tests. It is available in two trim levels: Comfort and Design. Starting Price is 41,400 euros.

This is joined by the larger BYD TANG, a family-sized pure-electric SUV with a capacity for 7 people and a high-tech premium feeling interior with refined elegance. The BYD TANG is AWD, with the quick acceleration of 0-100km/h in 4.6s and a range of 528 km (WLTP city) and 400 km (WLTP combined). Independently tested by Motor and NAF in Norway, the BYD Tang achieved the lowest level of battery degradation in cold climate conditions versus over 30 other electric vehicles tested. Starting Price is 69,990 euros.

Completing the initial offerings is the BYD HAN, a premium electric sedan with a luxurious interior finish. The twin electric motors supply an all-wheel-drive system, delivering enhanced handling and superb traction in all weather conditions. Combined, they deliver an impressive 380 kW or 516 horsepower, enabling a 0-100 km/h sprint time of just 3.9 seconds. The BYD HAN offers the perfect balance of elegance and sportiness with a WLTP range of 662 km (city) and 521 km (WLTP combined). Starting price is 69,990 euros.

All three BYD models utilize the safe and durable Blade Battery which has surpassed rigorous safety tests, including the nail penetration test.

© 2023 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway and BYD, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell a 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.

Berkshire Hathaway-backed BYD, the world’s leading manufacturer of new energy vehicles, has announced an expansion of its partnership with NVIDIA. The partnership will see BYD extend the use of the NVIDIA DRIVE Orin centralized compute platform to a broader range of its new energy vehicles (NEVs), including the Dynasty and Ocean series of vehicles.

The NVIDIA DRIVE Orin platform is critical for diverse and redundant sensor processing in real-time, providing automakers with the compute headroom to develop and support new software-driven services throughout the life of the vehicle.

The partnership between BYD and NVIDIA reflects their shared belief that future cars will be programmable and based on high-performance centralized computers.

Since entering production last year, the NVIDIA DRIVE Orin platform has become the transportation industry’s AI engine of choice for the new generation of NEVs, robotaxis, shuttles, and trucks.

The scalable platform is capable of performing up to 254 trillion operations per second and can power automated driving functions while simultaneously running numerous deep neural networks, providing the ultimate safety and reliability.

BYD has sold over 3.7 million NEVs globally as of February 2023, making it one of the leading NEV manufacturers. Beyond selecting NVIDIA DRIVE Orin for its EV fleets, BYD is also working with NVIDIA to enhance the in-vehicle experience by bringing the NVIDIA GeForce NOW cloud gaming service to its vehicles.

The partnership between BYD and NVIDIA underscores the importance of advanced technologies in the transportation industry, paving the way for safer, more intelligent, and sustainable vehicles in the future.

© 2023 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway and BYD, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell a 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.

BYD, the world’s leading manufacturer of new energy vehicles, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Octopus Electric Vehicles Ltd.

Octopus EV plans to purchase 5000 new energy vehicles from BYD for UK customers over the next three years. They will be available in conjunction with the Salary Sacrifice scheme providing one of the most economical ways of leasing a BYD car in the UK.

The start of this commercial relationship lays the foundations for Octopus EV to become a BYD Partner for the Salary Sacrifice scheme in the UK, with plans for further orders in the future.

The initial order will include the BYD ATTO 3, an all-electric C-Segment SUV, making its debut in the UK in March featuring BYD’s pioneering EV technology.

The versatile BYD ATTO 3, combining modern aesthetics with an abundance of innovative intelligent technology, is anticipated to have wide appeal for both business and personal customers. It further enhances the increasing range of electric cars available from Octopus EV, as part of its convenient all-in-one service that includes car lease, charge point installation and specialist EV energy tariffs.

Michael Shu, General Manager and Managing Director, BYD Europe and International Cooperation Division, said: “We are delighted to enter this cooperation with Octopus EV. This is an exciting new chapter for BYD as we bring our latest products and leading technologies to customers in the UK, as shown in our innovative range of electric passenger cars, starting with the BYD ATTO 3. BYD staunchly believes in partnerships with like-minded organisations, and our shared commitment to eMobility and sustainable innovation for a greener future endorses our mutual aims.”

Oliver Boots, Chief Commercial Officer of Octopus Electric Vehicles, commented: “When Octopus Electric Vehicles launched, there were only a handful of EVs on the market – we’re now at more than 85 and the figure is rising all the time. Customers have an amazing range of models to choose from, all of which are at the cutting edge of tech and are fun to drive. Being able to partner with BYD as they launch in the UK is a real milestone. They’re a global leader and we’re looking forward to being able to offer our 5* Trustpilot service to customers – accelerating our growth and moving us another step closer to zero-emission transport in the UK.”

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway and BYD, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell a 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.

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway-backed BYD will construct a battery energy storage project for Las Vegas.

BYD announced recently that a 543 MWh Cube Pro liquid-cooled Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), integrated by Energy Vault, will be deployed by NV Energy outside of Las Vegas with construction on the project beginning in the second quarter of 2023.

NV Energy awarded the project to Energy Vault, and expects to begin commercial operation by the end of 2023.

The energy storage system is designed to store and dispatch excess renewable energy, including wind and solar power. The BYD Cube Pro BESS will be charged daily and is designed to send stored renewable energy to the grid during peak consumption hours, helping meet high demand.

“We are pleased to be involved in this significant project,” BYD Senior Director of Business Development Michael Liu said. “This effort will be beneficial to residents of the Las Vegas region, and the entire state of Nevada.”

“Energy Vault is excited to partner with NV Energy and BYD to integrate and deliver, on a turn-key basis, a mission critical BESS that will support Nevada’s largest electric provider in achieving its goal of net zero emissions by 2050,” said Omar Aoun, Vice President of Sales, North America at Energy Vault. “This collaboration proves the quality and flexibility of our services. Our ability to work with key players such as NV Energy and BYD will accelerate the delivery of one of the largest BESS in Nevada, which is designed to store and dispatch excess renewable energy to help meet the high demand during Nevada’s peak load hours.”

The BYD Cube Pro is the latest generation energy storage solution designed for larger utility-scale projects. At 2.6 MWh per unit, the Cube Pro utilizes a liquid-cooled battery system within its enclosure allowing for an 80% increase in energy density over previous generations.

BYD has been committed to the North America Energy Storage market for almost a decade, with the first MW-scale project deployed in the U.S. in 2011. It has remained a market leader since then with more than 4GWh delivered in the U.S and an additional 14GWh confirmed order to be delivered in 2023 and 2024.

© 2023 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway and BYD, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell a 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.

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Buses manufactured by Berkshire Hathaway-backed BYD will be rolling in Annapolis, Maryland, after the city purchased two BYD battery-electric K7M transit buses, which will be the first in its transit fleet.

The BYD K7M seats up to 22 passengers and includes two optional ADA compliant wheelchair positions. BYD buses are equipped with unique iron-phosphate batteries that are recognized as the safest in the industry, and are built with low-floors to enhance accessibility and safety for its passengers.

“BYD is proud to join Annapolis as it starts down the path toward electrification” said BYD Senior Vice President Patrick Duan. “Annapolis is such a beautiful city, full of rich history and it’s an honor to be a part of its journey toward a greener, cleaner future.”

The Annapolis Department of Transportation, which operates Annapolis Transit, aims to provide the highest level of reliable, safe, customer-focused, accessible and efficient public transportation throughout its city. Annapolis Transit plans to enhance the quality of life through making environmentally conscious decisions with clean energy transit.

“We all have to make changes in our lives and routines to become less reliant on energy sources that contribute to climate change and sea level rise,” said Mayor Gavin Buckley. “Migrating our transit fleet from fossil fuels to electric is a step the City of Annapolis can take. We are very happy to be moving forward with this acquisition.”

The buses will be built by members of the Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation (SMART) workers Union, Local 105, in BYD’s manufacturing facility located in Lancaster, California.

© 2023 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway and BYD, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell a 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.

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway-backed BYD is aiming for rapid expansion of its retail stores across Brazil, as it boosts its sales of automobiles in the country and partners with Santander Bank to offer customers auto financing.

Currently, BYD has nine stores in the Brazilian market. Its local presence is projected to reach 45 cities by the end of 2022 and reach 100 locations by the end of 2023.

Besides vehicles, BYD Brazil also offers customers overall new energy solutions, which include the generation of clean energy by photovoltaic modules manufactured by BYD.

BYD Brazil has signed a strategic partnership with Santander Bank, the leading bank in automotive financing in Brazil. This will furnish one-stop auto financing services for the customers, from credit analysis, and credit approval, to payment options through a fully digital platform. Also, the partnership will benefit the local dealers to manage and grow their business of electric passenger vehicles.

© 2022 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway and BYD, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell a 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.

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Sales of Berkshire Hathaway-backed BYD’s joint venture with Mercedes-Benz, the D9 premium MPV, started deliveries Sunday, and sales are already going through the roof. Presales racked up 30,000 orders for the multipurpose vehicle that they market under the upscale Denza brand.

Engineered and produced in and for the China market, the DENZA brand combines Daimler’s vehicle architecture expertise with BYD’s leading battery technology.

The D9 is offered as both a plug-in hybrid and pure electric vehicle, and the EV boasts a 500KM range.

© 2022 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway and BYD, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell a 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.

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

Berkshire Hathaway-backed BYD has launched the premium electric SUV, BYD-ATTO 3, India’s First Sporty Born E-SUV.

This marks BYD’s official entry into the Indian passenger vehicle market with its brand mission of “Technological Innovations For A Better Life.”

Equipped with the ultra-safe Blade Battery and the born EV platform (e-Platform 3.0), BYD-ATTO 3 features fast charging from 0% to 80% within 50 mins, a range of 521km according to ARAI tests with a higher battery capacity of 60.48kWh, and a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 7.3s. With a sporty and powerful exterior and rhythmic interior, BYD-ATTO 3 also features L2 Advanced Driving Assistance System (ADAS) BYD Dipilot, 7 airbags, the panoramic sunroof, a 12.8-inch adaptive rotating suspension electronic pad, 360° holographic transparent imaging system, NFC card key, the Vehicle to Load (VTOL) mobile power station and other leading configuration, making this car competitive in the market.

BYD-ATTO 3 is the first model in India built on the e-Platform 3.0, which is designed for the next generation of pure electric vehicles with the Blade Battery, an 8-in-1 electric powertrain, and highly integrated domain controllers. The platform features the world’s first 8-in-1 electric powertrain (with drive motor, motor controller, reducer, onboard charger, DC converter, high-voltage distribution box, vehicle controller, and Battery Management System (BMS) integrated), resulting in a 20% overall size reduction and 15% weight reduction and allowing the overall efficiency to exceed 89%.

BYD-ATTO 3 is powered by the Blade Battery, which passes the nail penetration test, one of the industry’s most rigorous tests for batteries. The battery also emerged unscathed and fully operational after a 46-tonne truck drove over it without exhibiting leakage, deformation, or smoke.

BYD-ATTO 3 features sharp lines and a strong, sporty posture adding to the vigorous aesthetics of the Dragon Face 3.0 design language led by Wolfgang Egger, BYD’s Design Director. Its advanced, intelligent cabin is styled in the spirit of sports and competition. Inspired by the interior design concept of gym and music, BYD-ATTO 3 exhibits passion, energy, and power.

The car is equipped with a panoramic sunroof measuring 1,261 mm long and 849 mm wide with electric slide and anti-pinch features. It also comes standard with a 12.8-inch adaptive rotating suspension electronic pad supporting a 360° holographic transparent imaging system. The panoramic sunroof and imaging system are the largest among cars in the segment.

BYD-ATTO 3 is also equipped with a mobile power station that allows the vehicle to transform into a super mobile power bank. This power station supports power up to 3.3kw, satisfying most needs of high-power electrical appliances.

BYD-ATTO 3 provides intelligent driving systems and multi-sensor layouts with the BYD DiPilot L2 driving assist system. It is also equipped with 7 airbags, a robust steel body structure, and a safety-oriented chassis design.
The car also has other features such as mobile phone wireless charging, one-touch electric control tailgate, NFC card key, an 8-speaker audio system, electric seat adjustment, voice control, LED headlamps, LED rear lights, multi-color gradient ambient lighting that responds to music rhythm, PM 2.5 air filter, CN95 air filter, etc.

Sanjay Gopalakrishnan, Senior Vice President of Electric Passenger Vehicles of BYD India, said, “We are happy to announce the launch of our much-acclaimed electric SUV in India. With proven and innovative technology, we are on track towards building a stronger ecosystem that facilitates EV adoption in our country. The launch of BYD-ATTO 3 is a step towards this mission. We will constantly contribute to building a greener future.”

“BYD has two plants in India covering more than 140,000 sqm with 3,000 employees and a cumulative investment of over $200 million in the country. We are fully committed to India’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 and will promote sustainability and zero emissions by introducing pure electric vehicles and the latest technologies. We intend to sell 15,000 units of BYD-ATTO 3 in India over the next year and plan to set up a local manufacturing facility in the due course.” Added by Ketsu Zhang, Executive Director of BYD India.

BYD has 24 showrooms across 21 cities in India and aims to expand to at least 53 showrooms by the end of 2023. Furthermore, BYD India plans to participate in the Auto Expo 2023 and will debut more products and technologies for the Indian market. BYD will continue to leverage technological innovations for a better life, promote sustainable development of society, and implement its “Cool the Earth by 1°C” initiative.

© 2022 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway and BYD, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell a 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.