Tag: BYD Co

(BRK.A), (BRK.B)

BYD UK and Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) have announced that their electric vehicle partnership has delivered its 500th electric bus.

The zero emission double decker has joined the fleet of the partnership’s launch customer, Go-Ahead London, as orders for the next 500 BYD ADL electric buses have already been confirmed for public transport operators across the UK.

BYD is a global leader in batteries, energy management and electric mobility, while ADL is a subsidiary of leading independent global bus manufacturer NFI Group Inc. (NFI).

BYD and ADL signed a partnership agreement in October 2015, and the partnership delivered its first buses the following summer.

Its electric buses for the UK and Ireland are built in Britain, ensuring that investment in cleaner transport benefits communities across the country, as well as the environment.

Less than five years after rolling out the first, the partnership has now delivered the 500th BYD ADL electric bus. This BYD ADL Enviro400EV double decker is one of 20 that have joined the Go-Ahead London fleet for Transport for London route 69 between Walthamstow and Canning Town.

Go-Ahead London has worked closely with the BYD ADL partnership since its inception, becoming its launch customer in 2016 and continuing to support product development with its operational experience. This has made Go-Ahead the country’s biggest operator of electric buses, including nearly half of the 500 BYD ADL electric buses delivered so far.

Frank Thorpe, Managing Director of BYD UK, said: “We were delighted in 2015 when Go-Ahead London embarked upon their journey towards electrification with us, and we’re even more thrilled today as we celebrate the handover of the 500th BYD ADL electric bus. It’s a very significant milestone, and not only for the BYD ADL partnership. It demonstrates clearly the commitment of the nation’s capital to decarbonization, with eMobility playing an increasingly fundamental role in delivering a cleaner transport system for millions of people. Operators like Go-Ahead London, with the BYD ADL partnership in support, really are leading the charge.”

ADL UK Sales Director, Martin Brailey said: “As we prepare to transition chassis assembly to our UK facilities to deliver a product fully built in Britain, the BYD ADL partnership’s winning combination of class-leading technology and design expertise continues to set the standard for electric buses. This has been made possible by our customers, and none more so than Go-Ahead London, who were the first outside China to convert an entire depot to electric operation with the launch order five years ago and who continue to challenge us to deliver ongoing innovation.”

John Trayner, Go-Ahead London’s Managing Director, said: “It is fitting that this significant milestone took place at Waterloo, our global award-winning all-electric bus garage. Waterloo pioneered electric bus technology in 2013 and it quickly proved reliable in the capital’s high frequency and demanding stop/start operating environment. Along with the Mayor, Transport for London and other important infrastructure partners, we are seamlessly transitioning the capital’s iconic red bus fleet to deliver a zero-emission public transport offering. Congratulations to the BYD ADL partnership on reaching 500 e-bus deliveries.”

Richard Harrington, Go-Ahead London’s Engineering Director, added: “We know that our people enjoy driving and maintaining what was, until relatively recently, a new technology. Go-Ahead London has a proud history of innovation and as our buses switch from diesel to other technologies, our experience as the UK’s largest e-bus operator, with over 200 BYD ADL electric vehicles in service, will prove invaluable.”

The BYD ADL partnership has already taken firm orders for the next 500 electric buses, expected to be delivered over the next twelve months and taking the partnership’s total to over 1000.

BYD and Berkshire Hathaway

In 2008, Berkshire Hathaway bet on BYD’s potential, purchasing 225 million shares for $232 million. It’s an investment that has paid off handsomely. Berkshire’s original investment of $232 million had grown in value to $5.897 billion as of December 31, 2020.

© 2021 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 (Build Your Dreams) is celebrating a significant production milestone by becoming one of the first new energy vehicle manufacturers globally to produce one million electric passenger cars. The one-millionth car, the Han EV, rolled off the production line today at BYD’s headquarters and manufacturing facility in Shenzhen, China.

At the same time, its Blade Battery completed an extreme strength test that saw it being rolled over by a 46-ton heavy truck, once again resetting the bar for power battery safety.

BYD’s pioneering work in the development of battery technology and new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturing has led the new energy revolution in the global automotive industry since the company’s emergence in 2003 – spearheaded by innovative technologies and a well-calibrated global business strategy. In 2004, BYD unveiled its all-electric concept car, the ET, at the Beijing Auto Show, marking the premiere debut of an NEV model. This was followed in 2008 when the world’s first mass-produced plug-in hybrid NEV – the F3DM – was officially unveiled.

In 2020, the BYD Han was launched with performance specs setting twelve records globally and nine in China. The BYD Han continues to be a top-selling model in the mid-to-large luxury sedan sector, and with the credentials to rival models from the three German luxury car giants.

BYD and Berkshire Hathaway

In 2008, Berkshire Hathaway bet on BYD’s potential, purchasing 225 million shares for $232 million. It’s an investment that has paid off handsomely. Berkshire’s original investment of $232 million had grown in value to $5.897 billion as of December 31, 2020.

© 2021 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 received a big boost for its proposed SkyRail monorail for Los Angeles.

In 2019, BYD submitted its SkyRail proposal as one of LA Metro’s four refined concepts for the Sepulveda Transit Corridor. Of the four proposals, BYD’s SkyRail monorail and Sepulveda Transit Corridor Partners – Bechtel’s heavy rail have been selected to receive over $60 million in funding each to move to the next stage.

The goal is to create a high-capacity transit line between the San Fernando Valley and the Westside through the Sepulveda Pass that would move some 100,000 people a day off the I-405 Freeway, which is already ranked as one of the most traveled urban highways in the nation.

LA SkyRail Express (LASRE) – a team of leading transportation, construction, engineering, finance, and technology companies including John Laing, Skanska, BYD, Gensler, HDR, ACI and Innova – has been awarded a contract by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (Metro) for the Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project PDA RFP.

With the Metro Board’s approval, Metro and LASRE will enter into a contract for pre-development services in an amount not to exceed $63,605,132. The award of this contract, along with a similar one for Sepulveda Transit Corridor Partners – Bechtel’s heavy-rail option, will allow the project’s environmental process to begin, which will include extensive community conversations over the next one-to-two years to help shape the final alignment, technology and station locations.

If ultimately selected as Metro’s preferred team and technology, LASRE intends to link the historically underserved San Fernando Valley to the Westside and LAX transportation and education hubs, including options to connect directly with UCLA, with innovative, high-speed, high-capacity service.

“We are delighted to have reached this significant final stage of the Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project selection process. The LA SkyRail Express proposal from the Valley to the Westside and the Alternative Proposal for the entire corridor to LAX, including the direct connect alternative that we developed through an 18-month workshop process with UCLA, are estimated to fit well within the Measure M budget, with LA SkyRail Express costing a fraction of the subway alternative,” said Anthony Phillips, Co-Head of PPP and Greenfield Projects at infrastructure investor John Laing.

“SkyRail is the advanced, high speed, high-capacity monorail system that incorporates advances that have been made in monorail technology through urban applications in many of the world’s largest cities over the past 60 years. SkyRail is designed to maximize safety and energy efficiency. Equally as important, LA SkyRail Express can help alleviate the chronic congestion Valley and Westside residents have faced for decades. We are hopeful about progressing to the next stage of the bid process and proud to play our part supporting one of the most consequential infrastructure projects in Los Angeles’s history. The LA SkyRail Express team looks forward to the next stage of the selection process with great optimism and integrity.”

LASRE’s vision is to develop a transformative link in LA County, increasing mobility and transportation accessibility for those with few options. The natural barrier created by the Santa Monica Mountains has long caused some of the worst auto congestion in the country. LASRE’s solution will provide a technically and financially viable alternative to the I-405, providing safe, reliable, efficient and sustainable transportation between the San Fernando Valley and Westside within Metro’s allotted budget.

Our mission is to provide direct, efficient connections throughout the corridor, not only to Metro’s bus and transit network, but also to major mixed-use centers along the route, such as UCLA, the Westside, and the South Bay area surrounding LAX, as well as LAX itself.

“Addressing Los Angeles’ chronic traffic congestion will take an innovative solution that will finally link the region’s existing east-west lines, and that’s exactly what the LA SkyRail Express team can deliver,” stated Denny Zane, executive director of Move LA. “Unlike other options, it won’t take decades for LASRE’s potentially transformative technology to connect the San Fernando Valley to the Westside and UCLA, and to LAX to create an integrated transportation system at far less cost, something our City desperately needs.”

In 2017, BYD launched its first commercial SkyRail line in Yinchuan, capital of Northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. In April 2020, the company signed a deal to build a monorail for São Paulo, Brazil. The SkyRail will be for the Line 17 (Gold Line) project.

BYD and Berkshire Hathaway

In 2008, Berkshire Hathaway bet on BYD’s potential, purchasing 225 million shares for $232 million. It’s an investment that has paid off handsomely. Berkshire’s original investment of $232 million had grown in value to $5.897 billion as of December 31, 2020.

© 2021 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 (Build Your Dreams) has announced that its American-built and all-new K8M, a 35-foot zero-emission public transit bus, set a high scoring record in the Federal Transit Administration Model Bus Testing Program in Altoona, Pa.

The K8M record-setting performance included high marks in structural durability, reliability, maintainability, and safety. As a result, U.S. transit agencies can confidently use FTA funding to buy the K8M.

“We set a new benchmark and record for the entire American electric bus industry,” said Patrick Duan, BYD North America Senior Vice President. “The Altoona test results prove the K8M will give our customers the best reliability and lowest maintenance costs they deserve and demand. I’m very proud of our team, and I’m extremely happy that our customers will benefit when they deploy the top bus in its class.”

The innovative K8M, a state-of-the-art transit bus, is 35-foot in length and can seat up to 33 passengers. The highly reliable and safe K8M electric bus is equipped with up to 435kWh LFP battery and can be fully charged within 3 hours.

The popular BYD 35-foot electric bus is already in revenue service with several agencies across America, including LINK Transit in Wenatchee, Washington; Macon-Bibb County Transit Authority in Georgia, Baton Rouge’s Capital Area Transit System; the Vineyard Transit Authority of Massachusetts resort community of Martha’s Vineyard; the Regional Transit Authority of Central Maryland; and California’s Fresno County Rural Transit Agency.

BYD now offers four low-floor transit buses with Altoona certification with the K8M joining the 30-foot K7M, the 40-foot K9M, and the 60-foot articulated K11M. All of BYD’s zero-emission buses not only meet, but also exceed FTA Buy America requirements, incorporating more than 70% U.S. content.

BYD is the first battery-electric bus manufacturer that has both a unionized workforce and a Community Benefits Agreement, which sets goals for hiring veterans, single parents, second-chance citizens, and others facing hurdles in obtaining manufacturing employment. In addition, in partnership with SMART Local 105 and Antelope Valley College, BYD set up an apprenticeship program, improving production quality and efficiency and giving employees valuable skills that will benefit them for a lifetime.

BYD offers the widest range of battery-electric bus and coach models in the United States, ranging from 23-foot motor coaches on up to the 60-foot K11M and 45-foot double-decker C10MS.

BYD and Berkshire Hathaway

In 2008, Berkshire Hathaway bet on BYD’s potential, purchasing 225 million shares for $232 million. It’s an investment that has paid off handsomely. Berkshire’s original investment of $232 million had grown in value to $5.897 billion as of December 31, 2020.

© 2021 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)

BYD, the world’s leading electric bus manufacturer, has secured its first order from DB Regio Bus, the national bus transport division of one of Germany’s largest transport operators, Deutsche Bahn.

The order is for BYD’s latest generation 12-meter eBus model, equipped with a host of new technical innovations.

In a significant move, BYD and Deutsche Bahn have together signed a framework agreement paving the way for further BYD eBus orders in 2021.

Initially, a total of five pure-electric, emissions-free 12-meter BYD eBuses will enter service with DB Regio Bus later this year in Ettlingen, in the federal state of Baden-Württemburg. It is the second delivery of BYD electric buses in Germany after 22 vehicles were handed over in October 2020 to Public Transport Operators (PTOs) in Gelsenkirchen and Bochum.

Despite restrictions still in place following the coronavirus pandemic, BYD continues to meet its build and delivery schedules for Local Authority and PTO customers right across Europe.

The order from DB Regio Bus is also the first for BYD’s latest generation 12-meter, low-floor eBus model.

Launched at Busworld in 2019, the new, enhanced model features a host of upgrades including an all-new air-conditioning system, a ‘6-in-1’ controller which integrates the vehicle’s principle electronic components, a larger capacity 422 kWh battery capacity, and BYD’s FleetLink vehicle monitoring system to provide PTO’s with a highly effective fleet management tool. From an interior and exterior design perspective, BYD’s iF award-winning ‘Home from Home’ concept combines a dynamic visual aesthetic with high levels of safety and comfort to deliver a complete sense of well-being for passengers.

“This important order is indicative of the confidence that Deutsche Bahn places in our best-selling, and latest generation, 12-metre product,” said BYD Europe Managing Director, Isbrand Ho, “which has also been rubberstamped by the framework agreement for the supply of eBuses later this year. Moreover, the order from such a high profile Public Transport Operator is acceptance of the BYD marque generally in the German bus market. We are a supplier of total eMobility solutions,” he said, “and our ability to form strong partnerships with Local Authorities and PTOs will mean, I believe, that we’ll see more and more BYD eBuses in towns and cities throughout Germany.”

BYD and Berkshire Hathaway

In 2008, Berkshire Hathaway bet on BYD’s potential, purchasing 225 million shares for $232 million. It’s an investment that has paid off handsomely. Berkshire’s original investment of $232 million had grown in value to $5.897 billion as of December 31, 2020.

© 2021 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 Co. has debuted its first autonomous driving bus.

The bus is being tested in actual scenarios for All Nippon Airways at the Haneda Airport in Japan, and the airport becomes the country’s first international airport to conduct a pilot operation for an autonomous bus.

The test uses BYD’s K9 bus, which can carry up to 57 people.

During this trial operation, the airport staff will do near to Level 3 autonomous driving tests on the bus in a specific area of the airport to collect essential data to help the developers better improve the autonomous driving functions and improve the vehicle’s operating efficiency in the future.

Jointly carried out by BYD, ANA, BOLDLY, and Advanced Smart Mobility, the project has been conducted three rounds of tests from 2018 to 2020.

ANA plans to put the bus into trial operation in 2021 and implement the autonomous driving bus into a daily operation to fully achieve its goal to build a “Simple & Smart” airport by 2025.

“BYD is very honored to join hands with ANA to carry out this comprehensive autonomous driving test trial at the Haneda Airport,” Liu Xueliang, General Manager of BYD Asia-Pacific Auto Sales Division, said. “I firmly believe that this four-party cooperation will set an excellent example for a smart and environmentally friendly airport of Japan to give people a smarter, safer, and cleaner travel experience in the future.”

“At ANA, we are constantly looking for ways to harness the latest technology to enhance operations and efficiency,” said Masaki Yokai, Senior Vice President of ANA. “In addition to marking a significant step forward for airports, fully electric autonomous buses will result in fewer emissions and decreased carbon footprints at airports. We are optimistic that these trials will give us the information we need to continue improving these technologies and will allow ANA to maintain its leadership in autonomous innovation.”

BYD and Berkshire Hathaway

In 2008, Berkshire Hathaway bet on BYD’s potential, purchasing 225 million shares for $232 million. It’s an investment that has paid off handsomely. Berkshire’s original investment of $232 million has grown in value to $5.897 billion as of December 31, 2020.

© 2021 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 offering help to transit systems in accessing the Low or No Emission (Low-No) Program.

The Federal Transit Administration recently announced $180 million will be available through its competitive Low or No Emission (Low-No) Program.

The Low-No program exists to support the nation’s transition to energy-efficient vehicles such as those manufactured in BYD’s Lancaster, California plant. And Low-No funding can be used to purchase and/or lease BYD’s full line of zero-emission transit buses, including acquisition, construction, and leasing of supporting charging facilities.

“We’re proud to have helped secure over $10 million for our customers through last year’s Low-No grant program,” said BYD North America Senior Vice President Patrick Duan. “Having experts with a successful track record to assist transit agencies can make all the difference with these competitive grants.”

BYD can provide various electric bus models, infrastructure, and technology to help communities transition to zero-emission buses.

BYD bus and motor coach models meet all Buy America and FMVSS Rolling Stock requirements. BYD’s bus and motor coach models range from 23 feet to 60 feet in length including our two double-decker options.

BYD and Berkshire Hathaway

In 2008, Berkshire Hathaway bet on BYD’s potential, purchasing 225 million shares for $232 million. It’s an investment that has paid off handsomely. Berkshire’s original investment of $232 million has grown in value to $5.897 billion as of December 31, 2020.

© 2021 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.