IndyGo and BYD (Build Your Dreams) announced the delivery of the first K11 60-foot battery-electric bus to serve Indianapolis. The bus is the first of 13 ordered for the Red Line by IndyGo.

“BYD has delivered the first bus on time and this allows us to begin working with operations and emergency services on training and testing battery range,” said Justin Stuehrenberg, VP, planning and capital projects, at IndyGo. “IndyGo is committed to our transition to an all-electric fleet over the next 15 years.”

This K11 will serve IndyGo’s Red Line, a 13.1-mile route that runs between Broad Ripple on the north side of the city and the University of Indianapolis on the south side, offering more frequent service and longer hours than current routes. The Red Line is the densest corridor in terms of population and employment within Marion County.

The bus purchases are part of IndyGo’s plans to replace all its diesel buses with electric models by 2032; reducing pollution and operating costs, while improving service for Indianapolis residents and visitors.

By using electric buses, IndyGo will reduce noise and its use of diesel fuel and the emissions that come from it. At least some of the energy required to charge the buses will be derived from a 1 megawatt solar system mounted atop IndyGo’s garage.

BYD was the first firm in the world to design and manufacture a 60-foot battery-electric bus, according to the company. The K11 is an affordable, dependable, and American-manufactured bus that can integrate easily into a transit fleet, offering a clean, zero-emission alternative to diesel-fueled buses. The K11 is powered by revolutionary iron-phosphate batteries that are non-toxic and environmentally friendly. The safest in the industry, the batteries come with a 12-year warranty, and BYD was the first to offer such a plan.

Powerful in-wheel motors provide instant torque for great performance in all driving conditions. Regenerative breaking reduces wear while capturing energy to charge the battery. This bus can be charged in 3.5 hours and can also be used as a mobile power supply.

BYD North America also recently announced its joint venture with Generate Capital Inc. to launch the first electric bus leasing program of its kind in the U.S.

Officials from IndyGo will discuss electric bus infrastructure and more at the Transit Maintenance Forum, which will be held in conjunction with BusCon 2018, Oct. 1 to 3 in Indianapolis. For info, click here.