Skip to main content

Uruguay launches first ''zero emissions'' electric buses

Uruguay transit companies BUQUEBUS and CTS Auto have partnered with Chinese vehicle manufacturer, BYD to provide the first twelve metre rapid transit bus powered only by electricity in Uruguay and the region. The BYD electric bus integrates several technologies including two in-wheel electric motors capable of a cruising speed over 88 km/h and what it said to be the first of its kind, an environmentally-friendly iron-phosphate battery. This drive system provides a range of over 250 km (155 miles) – nearly t
May 23, 2013 Read time: 2 mins
Uruguay transit companies BUQUEBUS and CTS Auto have partnered with Chinese vehicle manufacturer, 5445 BYD to provide the first twelve metre rapid transit bus powered only by electricity in Uruguay and the region.

The BYD electric bus integrates several technologies including two in-wheel electric motors capable of a cruising speed over 88 km/h and what it said to be the first of its kind, an environmentally-friendly iron-phosphate battery. This drive system provides a range of over 250 km (155 miles) – nearly twenty-four hours of service daily for most transit applications. The BYD battery technology also allows for a full charge in less than five hours. The bus can be charged overnight, while the electricity pricing is lower.

The rechargeable battery system and electric motors developed by BYD engineers offer significant savings in both energy consumption and environmental pollution. The in-wheel-hub motors mean the BYD electric bus has the lowest floor of any bus, enabling easy access for people with reduced mobility, wheelchairs and baby strollers. The buses to be used in Uruguay are to be used on the tourist bus routes in the city of Colonia, although several long-distance BYD buses will shortly be deployed on urban transport routes.

Related Content

  • February 3, 2012
    Cooperative infrastructure an aid to environmental aims
    Speculate to accumulate Andras Kovacs looks at how the historical focus of cooperative infrastructure on safety can be oriented to aid emerging environmental aims
  • October 9, 2012
    Electric bus fleet for Sao Paulo, Brazil
    Mayor of the City of Sao Paulo in Brazil, Gilberto Kassab has announced plans for electric buses from Chinese manufacturer BYD to run in the city by the end of the year. There are approximately 15,000 public buses in the city of Sao Paulo today; however fleet buses are responsible for more than 20% of total transportation emissions. BYD says its electric bus is not only zero-emissions but also economical. It is estimated that energy savings of US$246,000 could be saved during the life cycle of a San Paulo
  • March 5, 2020
    Citroën targets micromobility with Ami EV
    Citroën is launching a small, two-seater electric vehicle (EV) which can be driven by children as young as 14, apparently.
  • April 27, 2017
    IDTechEX: electric buses will be a US$165 billion market in 2027
    Industrial and commercial electric vehicles will be a similar market to cars but innovating faster and frequently more profitable for all in the value chain. The most important sector is buses, where innovation often comes before cars because they are less price sensitive. A report by IDTechEx Research, Electric Buses 2017-2027, finds that the market for medium and large hybrid and pure electric buses will be over $165 billion in 2027. In this report IDTechEx show how the Chinese are now dominating the leag