BYD Builds 3,000th electric bus and debuts C12 DUO coach
BYD, a global leader in new energy vehicles (NEVs) and power battery technology, has built the 3,000th pure electric bus for the UK market. The milestone vehicle is a single-deck BYD B11, part of an order for First Bus. BYD completed it at its plant in Hangzhou.
A decade of electric buses in Britain
The milestone reflects more than a decade of work with operators across Britain. BYD was a pioneer of electric buses in the UK. The company supplied the first single-deck and double-deck electric buses in London, and it helped the capital move towards zero-emission public transport sooner.
The journey started on the streets of London, but BYD’s latest electric bus fleet is built for growth all over Britain. The range includes single-deck and double-deck vehicles for urban, regional and interurban routes. BYD delivers far more than zero-emission transport. It offers a complete ecosystem, spanning vehicle solutions, charging infrastructure, depot support, financing and aftersales services. A dedicated local team backs all of it, and operators can truly trust that team.
Frank Thorpe, Managing Director, BYD UK, Commercial Vehicles, said: “Reaching 3,000 electric buses for the UK is a significant moment for BYD, and it is built on more than a decade of work with British operators. For operators, what matters is that the bus arrives on time, runs every day and is supported locally. Our latest generation buses of zero emission vehicles continue to surpass expectations unlocking new opportunities for route expansion into regional and remote communities thanks to class-leading battery range and exceptional charging performance.”
The 3,000th bus: the BYD B11 single-decker
The 3,000th bus is a BYD B11, a low-floor single-decker. It is 10.84 metres long and has two doors. It uses wheel-hub motors, an LFP battery and plug-in (CCS) charging.
Unlike traditional vehicle manufacturers, BYD delivers a fully integrated mobility and energy solution. It acts as a true one-stop-shop partner and supports customers throughout their transition to zero-emission transport.
Global debut of the C12 DUO electric coach
BYD continues to expand its commercial vehicle ecosystem across Europe. The range now covers pure electric urban buses, coaches and heavy-duty trucks. Its proprietary Blade Battery technology, intelligent energy management and focus on customer uptime and profitability support every vehicle.
The all-new BYD C12 DUO stole the spotlight at the UK’s leading bus and coach exhibition. It redefines sustainability for long-distance intercity coach services. The 12-metre single-decker offers a premium, emission-free journey, carries up to 57 passengers and has an expansive 4 m³ luggage compartment.
The launch of the C12 DUO is a significant step in BYD’s strategy to take the UK’s green public transport network beyond urban areas. BYD developed it for tourism operators, school transport and scheduled coach services. These services connect towns, cities, airports and major events across the country. The vehicle shows that operators can now run long-distance electric passenger transport without compromising range, passenger comfort or operational efficiency.
“The transition to zero-emission commercial transport is no longer a distant goal, it is an operational reality,” adds Frank Thorpe. “With the debut of the C12 DUO, we are demonstrating that sustainable, long-range electric travel is feasible across every transport segment, from dense city centres to intercity corridors across Europe.”
At the heart of every electrified BYD commercial vehicle is the company’s revolutionary LFP Blade Battery. It passes the stringent Nail Penetration Test without emitting fire or smoke. The pack integrates directly into the chassis frame, which increases torsional stiffness and cuts vehicle weight by 8%. BYD also gives every commercial battery an industry-leading 15-year warranty as standard.
Euro Bus Expo highlights: single-decker and double-decker leadership
Alongside the C12 DUO reveal, BYD is showcasing its market-leading urban eBus lineup. The iconic BYD BD11 double-decker is engineered for the rigorous demands of London’s transport network. It has an 11-metre low-floor design and space for up to 85 passengers. Its massive Blade Battery capacity of up to 532kWh gives an exceptional single-charge range of over 340 miles (547 km). OTA FleetLink technology also allows real-time remote fleet optimisation.
BYD’s single-decker lineup offers modular versatility across municipal routes. Models range in length from 8.9m to 11.8m and carry up to 81 passengers. Battery capacities reach 541kWh, and the vehicles have independent front axles and regenerative braking. Operators can choose flexible DC plug-in or pantograph charging. These features deliver maximum efficiency for short city loops and regional corridors alike.
Expanding beyond London: nationwide electrification across the UK
The UK market is expanding beyond major metropolitan areas, and BYD is actively supporting nationwide operators and regional transport authorities. Its services include fleet electrification assessments, depot charging strategies, TCO analysis and local aftersales expertise.
The Euro Bus Expo 2026 showcase also reflects BYD’s growing momentum in the UK. More than 3,000 electric buses are now operating or scheduled for deployment. A dedicated Battery Systems Workshop in Milton Keynes, a new PDI and Technology Centre in Reading and a continuously expanding local service network support them. BYD remains committed to helping operators accelerate the UK’s transition towards cleaner, quieter and more sustainable public transport.