The Canadian province of Alberta is partnering with the world’s leading all-electric bus firm, BYD, for the development of “smarter, safer transit buses,” according to an email sent to CleanTechnica and EV Obsession.
The new framework agreement seems to be a serious one, as it was actually signed in the presence of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Canadian Minister of International Trade Chrystia Freeland, while in Shanghai.
“Alberta is making strides in clean technology development and is looking to be a leader in smart infrastructure and electric transportation systems. BYD is excited to leverage the province’s machine learning, advanced sensors, and software development expertise to build even smarter and safer zero-emission buses,” stated BYD Heavy Industries Vice President Ted Dowling. “Not only has BYD delivered more than 10,000 buses worldwide that have more than 250 million kilometers of in revenue service, but in head-to-head trials against diesel buses, our battery-electric buses have proven their reliability in even the coldest climates. BYD is proud of our record as a global leader in all-electric buses, and this partnership will support both smarter transit technology and high-tech skill creation for a greener future.”
The email notes that BYD is bringing substantial electric bus expertise to the partnership, having been arguably the first to bring a long-range, all-electric transit bus to market (back in 2011). The BYD lineup now includes 7 different electric bus models, “ranging from a 23-foot coach to a 60-foot articulated transit bus,” BYD notes.
Going on: “There are BYD battery-electric buses running on 6 continents that have together saved customers tens of millions of dollars in fuel and maintenance costs. BYD’s proprietary Iron-Phosphate (or ‘Fe’) Battery is the safest and longest lasting electric bus battery available on the market today. Not only is the battery fully recyclable and flame resistant, but BYD also offers a full 12-year battery warranty, the longest electric battery warranty available in the industry.”
“We are very pleased to be partnering with BYD to promote the facilitation of collaborative research and development, and commercialization activities,” commented Deron Bilous, Minister of Economic Development and Trade with the Government of Alberta. “Collaboration with global firms like BYD support diversification of Alberta’s economy, high tech skill creation, and increased export of technology products and services.”
Current plans call for initial program details to be hammered out between BYD, partner firms in Alberta’s tech industry, the Alberta Centre for Advanced MNT Products, the University of Alberta, and the University of Calgary, later this fall.