BYD lands first electric bus deal in Portugal
China’s BYD has got a deal in Portugal, where operator SMTUC ordered 8 electric buses. The contract follows successful trials in the town of Coimbra. While it is a first for BYD to deliver to Portugal, the firm says orders in Europe amount to 400 to date.
Portugal is the latest country to join a circle of 10 European nations that have turned to BYD to order electric buses. In this case, the Coimbra Municipal Public Transportation Service (SMTUC) has ordered eight 12 metre models from BYD and expects to take delivery in early 2019.
Globally, BYD announced it has a footprint in more than 50 countries. Says BYD’s managing director of Europe, Isbrand Ho:
“We are delighted to be able to add this important market, Portugal, to our client portfolio. From north to south Europe, we have become a competitive player across the Continent covering all the climatic conditions from the cold north of Scandinavia to the heat of Italy, Spain and now Portugal, not forgetting the more moderate conditions of Benelux and the UK. The results of the tests with our ebus here were promising and we are confident that our ebuses can deliver reliable and safe services and help to improve air quality – whatever the weather.”
Indeed BYD electric buses can be found roaming in London and will soon be built in India. Norway and Italy are in on the electric buses made in China game as well to name but a few countries in Europe. BYD is also on its way to Africa where the manufacturer wants to make electric buses in Morocco. The deal in South Africa however had come under scrutiny from the authorities but that did not keep BYD from selling a few more electric buses to Egypt that are to be delivered this year. And lastly, BYD has begun producing buses in Brazil and presented a new electric bus model, made in cooperation with Marcopolo, in the capital Brasilia.
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