It has been revealed on a Chinese social media website, Weibo, that a user named Hangzhou Bus Information (ๆญๅทๅทดๅฃซ่ต่ฎฏ) has unveiled photos of the newly built BYD eBus BD11 double-deck electric buses for Go-Ahead London.
A new batch of BYD BD11 pure electric double-layer buses made in Hangzhou are being assembled one after another and will soon be sent overseas. According to earlier official information, the BYD BD11 double-decker bus will be put into operation in the second half of this year, with a maximum passenger capacity of 90 people and a battery capacity of up to 532 kW, supporting dual-gun charging. The first models are designed for London and will be followed by models adapted to the needs of different parts of the UK.
On May 21, 2024, BYD released a pure electric double-decker bus BD11 with a new generation of blade battery bus chassis in London, England, marking a further overseas expansion of BYD's commercial vehicles. The new generation of blade battery double-decker bus chassis on BYD BD11 integrates the battery with the frame, which not only significantly reduces the weight of the vehicle, increases battery life, but also improves the stability and handling of the vehicle. The vehicle design takes into account the comfort and safety of the driver and passengers, and can be equipped with advanced active safety configurations such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
On May 21, 2024, BYD released a pure electric double-decker bus BD11 with a new generation of blade battery bus chassis in London, England, marking a further overseas expansion of BYD's commercial vehicles. The new generation of blade battery double-decker bus chassis on BYD BD11 integrates the battery with the frame, which not only significantly reduces the weight of the vehicle, increases battery life, but also improves the stability and handling of the vehicle. The vehicle design takes into account the comfort and safety of the driver and passengers, and can be equipped with advanced active safety configurations such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
Unfortunately there's no method on embedding posts from the Weibo website, but you can view more photos from the post on Weibo. Full credit of the photos goes to 'Hangzhou Bus Information'.
Judging by the interior colour scheme, such as the seats and handrails, I strongly assume it is the colours used by the Go-Ahead London bus company.
Judging by the interior colour scheme, such as the seats and handrails, I strongly assume it is the colours used by the Go-Ahead London bus company.
It seems that the bus operating company Go-Ahead London did not include the 'staircase glazing' to their double-deck electric buses, as I assume they wanted to maximise their advertising space at the offside of the bus.
I did read the New Bus Vehicle Specification Version 2.5 document, it does not forbid or mention the use of 'staircase glazing' for the double-deck designs. But it does mention a 'skylight roof' as part of improving the customer experience for bus users.
I did read the New Bus Vehicle Specification Version 2.5 document, it does not forbid or mention the use of 'staircase glazing' for the double-deck designs. But it does mention a 'skylight roof' as part of improving the customer experience for bus users.
8.2.1.1 Skylight Roof
[Skylight Roof – specification to be provided in next BVS update]
The ‘Skylight Roof’ specification is currently under development by TfL. At this time system suppliers and OEMs are encouraged to engage with TfL for installation requirements and implementation dates.
I won't go into detail about the New Bus Vehicle Specification, but here's the tweet below about my suggestion for a new zero-emission double-deck bus.#TfL Freedom of Information release:
— CLondoner92 (@CLondoner92) May 14, 2024
New #London Bus Vehicle Specifications version 2.5 with attachments
The new specifications include:
Priority moquette seating
Skylight roof
Wood-effect flooring
On Board Next Stop Signs and Information Displayshttps://t.co/Xqi1ZpVzdz pic.twitter.com/krMPfkk5DD
I invite you to follow me on X by searching for @CLondoner92 or by clicking on the direct link to my X page here. I'm also on BlueSky and MastodonMy suggestion for a new accessible zero-emission bus for London and elsewhere, such as areas with bus franchising. ๐
— CLondoner92 (@CLondoner92) May 9, 2024
Bus designs need creative ideas to improve accessibility, attractiveness to encourage bus usage, and provide flexibility for bus operating companies. pic.twitter.com/H9MzWl03E7
Further reading
Why is Creativity in Public Transport Important, Including Bus Route Planning and Branding?