SunLine Transit Agency, which serves more than 3.5 million passengers annually in Calif.'s Coachella Valley, expanded its growing alternative-fuel vehicle fleet with the addition of its first emissions-free, all-electric BYD buses.

The vehicles BYD has provided are 40 foot low-floor transit buses with seats for 35 and room for more than 60 standing passengers to SunLine. The transit agency began testing the vehicle on service routes in January. 

“I’m proud that SunLine Transit has taken this step to add our first all-electric bus to the fleet,” said Lauren Skiver, GM of SunLine Transit Agency. “BYD has demonstrated that its electric bus technology is reliable and can meet the needs SunLine has for service routes. Additionally, SunLine will begin to see a return on its investment with cost savings over the lifetime of the bus.” 

“SunLine Transit has shown great leadership in expanding its fleet with alternative fuel options, and we are pleased to serve as their technology partner by providing their first all-electric buses,” said Macy Neshati, VP, coach and bus, for BYD. “Our BYD electric buses provide a multitude of benefits from reduced operational costs, including significant fuel savings, cleaner air due to no tailpipe emissions, and less noise pollution, making for a more comfortable ride for both bus operator and passenger.” 

The buses are equipped with BYD-designed and built iron-phosphate batteries, delivering 324 kWh of power that come with a 12-year warranty, the industry’s longest electric-battery warranty available. The batteries can run for up to 155 miles of typical urban driving on the service routes with recharging requiring only four hours.