BYD announced that the City of Las Cruces, N.M. City Council approved the purchase of five K8M 35-foot battery-electric buses for its RoadRUNNER Transit fleet.

The contract awarded to BYD is set to last five years. The city will buy five K8Ms and has an option to purchase seven additional buses. The five buses, which will be made in the U.S., are expected to arrive in fall 2022 and could be in service before Christmas next year. They will replace older carbon-fuel buses.

“As part of its sustainability initiatives, the Las Cruces City Council is committed to making the city a model of sustainable practices which includes converting City fleet vehicles to electric vehicles,” said Mike Bartholomew, the city’s transit administrator. “We are very excited about the opportunity to start the process of moving to a fully electric fleet in the city’s RoadRUNNER Transit service.”

The transit bus cab seat up to 33 passengers. 

“BYD buses, known around the country for their style, safety and innovation, are a perfect fit for Las Cruces,” said Patrick Duan, BYD North America senior VP. “We see a great and expanding market for our brand in New Mexico and know that residents and riders will appreciate this clean, quiet and efficient addition to the city’s fleet.”

The vehicles are manufactured in ISO 9001- certified American factory.

Buses included in the agreement are the 30-foot K7M, the 35-foot K8M, the 40-foot K9M, and the 60-foot K11M. Motorcoaches included in the agreement are the 23-foot C6M, 40-foot C9M, and 45-foot C10M.