Louisiana's CATS Adds More BYD Battery-Electric Buses

BYD announced the delivery of three more American-made all-electric buses to the Capital Area Transit System (CATS) in Baton Rouge, La.

The zero-emission K8M 35-foot buses were built BYD at its Lancaster, Calif., Coach & Bus Manufacturing facility. Each vehicle is equipped with a 435kWh LFP battery and can be fully charged within three hours.

The most recent delivery represented the final installment of a nine-vehicle purchase by CATS from BYD. CATS, which provides transit service across Louisiana’s capital city, has committed to growing its zero-emission bus fleet to at least 50% of the total number of vehicles it operates.

“We care about reducing emissions and protecting the environment. The more electric vehicles we have, the better it will be for all of us,” said CATS Interim CEO Dwana Williams.

BYD’s partnership with the transit agency earned CATS the “Rising Star” award from the Louisiana Clean Fuels organization. Every American-built, zero-emission BYD bus eliminates approximately 1,690 tons of carbon dioxide over its 12-year lifespan, according to the U.S. Transportation Department.