BYD & Castrosua: First Chinese-Spanish 12-Meter Electric Bus

What symbolism - the pilgrimage site of Santiago de Compostela at the end of the Camino de Santiago was chosen by the Chinese bus manufacturer BYD and the Spanish bodybuilder Castrosua for the presentation of the first jointly produced electric city bus. Its debut marks the beginning of a new era of emission-free, customized E-buses in the 12-meter category for Spanish bus operators, combining the expertise of both companies, the partners announced.

“We are very pleased to present the 12-meter electric bus from BYD-Castrosua to Spanish customers. We are excited about our collaboration with Castrosua, and the introduction of this first model is an exciting milestone for the partnership between the two companies. BYD firmly believes in strategic partnerships at the local level. We know that this is the key to providing our customers with the assurance of local, knowledgeable customer service and support,” said Javier Contijoch, Vice President eBus Sales at BYD Europe, at the premiere.

It was only in September 2022 that BYD and Castrosua announced their collaboration in the development, production, and sales of 12-meter electric buses for the Spanish market, busplaner reported ».

Details

The 12-meter-long BYD-Castrosua electric bus is said to be the lightest in its class and is based on the latest BYD electric bus chassis. A major advantage is the 6-in-1 controller, “which integrates the entire bus ecosystem to increase reliability, operational and energy efficiency,” according to the accompanying press release.

The BYD battery thermal management system ensures, according to the manufacturer, that the battery maintains its optimal operating temperature and adapts to different climatic conditions. The BYD-Castrosua electric buses use BYD’s iron-phosphate battery technology - the battery capacity is 422 kWh - allowing a range of 450 km on a single charge.

The NELEC bodywork of partner Castrosua was mounted on the BYD chassis, which is highly configurable. 3D modeling in the concept phase facilitates the development of all customization and adjustment options as well as the streamlining of production, repair, and maintenance processes while providing the customer with advanced and comprehensive presentations for decision support, the partners explain.

The Chinese-Spanish electric bus offers space for up to 92 passengers, with indirect LED lighting ensuring pleasant lighting conditions in the spacious interior. Additionally, other innovative elements such as a new wiper system with independent motors on each arm, an independent air duct system, or indirect vision systems (digital cameras instead of mirrors) have been incorporated.

“This alliance has enabled us to develop this first offering, which will undoubtedly be a benchmark in the market, an attractive and necessary offering, as it combines the expertise of an excellent craftsman who has developed the best bodywork with the strength and capacity of a large company that has long been a world leader in electromobility and offers the best electrical platform,” said Juan Luis Castro, President of the Castrosua Group.

The next stop for the first BYD-Castrosua electric bus is the UITP Summit 2023 in Barcelona, early June. There, the Chinese-Spanish co-production will be on display at the BYD booth 7G 100 in Hall 7.