The Netherlands is getting another massive wave of electric buses, thanks to a massive order from Keolis Nederland BV for 259 new buses from BYD.
The order, which was inked on December 6th at Keolis’ head office in Deventer, is the largest single order for electric buses in Europe and reveals just how comfortable transit operators around the world are with the prospect of electric vehicles in their fleets.
The new buses will arrive in the Netherlands next summer according to a phase-in delivery schedule to allow the transit operator to gradually check each batch of buses and integrate them into the operational fleet before the next wave arrives.
These BYD electric buses look and feel like traditional transit buses, but without all the noxious fumes and clunky noises that typically accompany diesel and natural gas buses.
For this deal, Keolis and BYD worked together to develop a comprehensive plan for the new buses taking into account the needs of the vehicle and the transit fleet over the full life of the vehicle including operational needs, passenger comforts, and charging.
Keolis Nederland BV purchased BYD’s 8.7-meter midi bus, 12-meter, and new 13-meter electric buses, with plans to put them into service in the back half of 2020.
Reference- BYD PR, Clean Technica, Electrek