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China’s BYD wins European electric bus orders for Netherlands city

An island which is home to the Netherlands’ first National Park is about to launch Europe’s cleanest bus fleet. The city of Schiermonnikoog in the province of Friesland, Netherlands is nestled on this 16 km long island and is virtually car-free. While home to about 1000 residents, over 350,000 people visit the island every year and will now ride in six new, long-range, all-electric BYD buses set to launch on Schiermonnikoog early next year. In a European legal tender and open bid supported by four major bus
June 7, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
RSSAn island which is home to the Netherlands’ first National Park is about to launch Europe’s cleanest bus fleet. The city of Schiermonnikoog in the province of Friesland, Netherlands is nestled on this 16 km long island and is virtually car-free. While home to about 1000 residents, over 350,000 people visit the island every year and will now ride in six new, long-range, all-electric 5445 BYD buses set to launch on Schiermonnikoog early next year. In a European legal tender and open bid supported by four major bus manufacturers, BYD scored the highest in meeting programme goals and won not only an order for the six electric buses, but also a 15-year maintenance contract.

The BYD buses are comparable to the buses now servicing Schiermonnikoog in terms of size – they are 12 metres long (40 feet) and can accommodate 60-70 passengers. However, they can be charged at night and with a range of over 250-300 Km per charge they can provide service all day without needing another charge.

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