BYD presented the new e-bus platform and its debut model at an event in China on Monday. The updated technology is called “e-Bus Platform 3.0”, mirroring the passenger car division, where BYD has also reached the third generation with its “e-Platform 3.0”. According to Chinese media, BYD has transferred several technologies from its passenger cars into the bus segment, including the 1,000-volt architecture already introduced this year in the Tang EV and Han EV.
The key innovation is the integration of lithium iron phosphate batteries using a cell-to-chassis (CTC) approach. In this design, the Blade cells are built into the flat chassis between the axles. According to outlets such as CN EV Post, the system uses “the industry’s thinnest bus-dedicated Blade Battery with the chassis frame.” BYD has not stated the maximum capacity the e-Bus Platform 3.0 can support, but the first series bus, the BYD C11, is specified with up to 593 kWh.
The company has also upgraded the platform in terms of efficiency, safety and intelligence. CN EV Post reports that the 1,000-volt system supplies the drivetrain, charging unit, power distribution and air conditioning. The platform incorporates silicon carbide power electronics and a new 7-in-1 thermal management system. These are designed to reduce overall energy consumption by up to 18 per cent and increase range in low temperatures by 50 to 80 kilometres. Buses on the new platform can optionally be equipped with active suspension.
The e-Bus Platform 3.0 also integrates BYD’s Driver Assistance System 2.0 and its intelligent torque control system (iTAC). New safety features include an emergency button on the dashboard, which brings the vehicle to a safe stop, and a stability control function that intervenes in case of tyre blowouts while driving.
BYD has not yet released details on the electric motor or charging performance. However, the launch of the C11 confirms that battery configurations of 184 kWh, 257 kWh, 311 kWh, 425 kWh and 593 kWh will be available. This should enable ranges between 220 and 730 kilometres, presumably according to the Chinese test cycle, although BYD did not specify. The company stated that the C11 “boasts a range exceeding 400 kilometres under full load with air conditioning running,” which is expected to reflect a more realistic figure.
BYD has not yet disclosed when and where the C11 will launch, but the model is certain to debut on its home market in China.
cnevpost.com, sohu.com, chinaevhome.com
This article was first published by Cora Werwitzke for electrive’s German edition.
