(BRK.A), (BRK.B)
SunLine Transit Agency, which serves more than 3.5 million passengers annually in the Coachella Valley, California, has expanded its growing alternative fuel vehicles fleet with the addition of its first emissions-free, all-electric buses.
BYD, the world’s largest manufacturer of electric vehicles, has provided the 40 ft. low floor transit buses with seats for 35 and room for more than 60 standing passengers to SunLine.
The transit agency, which includes Palm Springs, began testing the vehicle on service routes in January.
“I’m proud that SunLine Transit has taken this step to add our first all-electric bus to the fleet,” said Lauren Skiver, general manager of SunLine Transit Agency.
“BYD has demonstrated that its electric bus technology is reliable and can meet the needs SunLine has for service routes. Additionally, SunLine will begin to see a return on its investment with cost savings over the lifetime of the bus.”
“SunLine Transit has shown great leadership in expanding its fleet with alternative fuel options, and we are pleased to serve as their technology partner by providing their first all-electric buses,” said Macy Neshati, vice president of Coach and Bus for BYD. “Our BYD electric buses provide a multitude of benefits from reduced operational costs, including significant fuel savings, cleaner air due to no tailpipe emissions, and less noise pollution, making for a more comfortable ride for both bus operator and passenger.”
The buses are equipped with BYD-designed and built iron phosphate batteries, delivering 324 kWh of power that come with a 12 year warranty, the industry’s longest electric battery warranty available. The batteries can run for up to 155 miles of typical urban driving on the service routes with recharging requiring only four hours.
BYD’s pure electric buses and taxis are currently operating in over 200 cities in 48 countries worldwide, including the U.S., Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, the UK, Germany, Austria, Denmark, Holland, Belgium, Japan, Thailand, and China.
BYD and Berkshire Hathaway
In 2008, Berkshire Hathaway bet on BYD’s potential, purchasing 225 million shares, and today owns roughly 9.1% of the company.
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.