The B12 has made its debut in scheduled service in Italy with its deployment in Verona. Unveiled at Busworld 2023, the model features BYD’s proprietary Blade Batteries. These lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries are integrated directly into the chassis, forming a central component of the vehicle’s load-bearing structure. This design significantly enhances torsional rigidity.
The battery system offers a total capacity of 416 kWh, enabling a range of up to 530 kilometres. The bus charges via CCS2 at up to 170 kW, with two charging ports available. It has a permissible gross vehicle weight of 19.5 tonnes and a maximum rear axle load of 12 tonnes. The interior includes seating for 29 passengers plus the driver, with a total capacity of 88 passengers.
Verona’s ATV fleet also includes the battery-electric BYD bus model K9UD. This model provides seating for 29 passengers and accommodates up to 82 passengers in total. Like the B12, the K9UD charges at 100 kW per port, with two ports available.
The collaboration between BYD and ATV is structured as a long-term technology partnership, aimed at strengthening Verona’s position as a leading hub for advanced electromobility in Italy. However, the electrification of the bus fleet will take time, as ATV currently operates around 600 buses in total.
Just days ago, BYD’s competitor Yutong announced the delivery of electric buses to northern Italy. These were supplied to the public transport operator Trentino Trasporti, which serves the Trentino region. Yutong’s electric buses were immediately deployed on routes connecting to competition venues for the Winter Olympics, though not directly in Milan or Cortina. Instead, Trentino, situated between the two cities, hosted its own Olympic events, such as those at the cross-country skiing stadium in Tesero.
sustainable-bus.com, veronaeconomia.it (in Italian)
