BYD BD11 LONDON BUS: You Won’t Hear It Coming!

The BYD BD11 is a high-capacity electric double-decker bus featuring a 532 kWh Blade Battery integrated into the chassis for maximum safety and space.
It utilizes a cutting-edge 1,000V architecture, enabling 500kW rapid charging (0-100% in 2 hours). With a real-world range of 400+ miles, it supports 90 passengers and includes Active Suspension Control and a full ADAS suite.
Managed via the FleetLink app, it offers OTA updates to streamline operations for modern urban transit.
1. Body Style and Size
The BD11 is a Low-Floor Double-Decker Bus designed for city transit. It measures 10,900 mm in length2,550 mm in width, and 4,300 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 5,440 mm. It has a maximum Gross Vehicle Weight (G.V.W.) of 19.5 tonnes and can accommodate up to 90 passengers
 
2. Platform, Battery, and Performance
Built on BYD’s latest dedicated e-Bus platform, it features a 1,000-volt architecture. It uses Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) Blade Battery chemistry integrated directly into the chassis (Cell-to-Chassis).
  • Battery Capacity: Up to 532 kWh.
  • Range: Over 400 miles (approx. 640 km) in real-world conditions.
  • Efficiency: Features a 6-in-1 Silicon Carbide (SiC) controller for 95.5% motor efficiency.
  • 0-100 km/h: As a transit bus, top speed and acceleration are optimized for safety rather than 0-60 sprints, though it delivers a powerful 600 Nm of torque from dual 150 kW motors.
 
3. Technical Capabilities
The BD11 is packed with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including Advanced Emergency Braking (AEBS), Blind Spot Monitoring, and Forward Collision Warning. It also features Active Suspension Control with electronically controlled shock absorbers to reduce body roll.
 
4. Interior and Storage
The interior is designed with a “Home from Home” concept, prioritizing passenger comfort with enhanced head height on the upper deck and wheelchair access on the lower deck. Unlike traditional cars, “storage” refers to passenger space and a 90-person capacity; it features a low-floor design for easy boarding.
 
5. App Functionality
Operators can use the BYD FleetLink system for remote vehicle monitoring, real-time diagnostics, and Over-the-Air (OTA) software updates, minimizing the need for physical service visits.
 
6. Pros and Cons
Pros:
  • Safety: The Blade Battery is industry-leading for thermal stability.
  • Rapid Charging: Supports up to 500kW pantograph charging, reaching 0-100% in just 2 hours.
  • Ride Quality: Active suspension provides a smoother experience than typical city buses.
Cons:
  • Specialized Use: Purely a commercial vehicle, not for private purchase.
  • Size: Its 10.9m length is optimized for London but may be too large for some rural routes.
  • Complexity: High-voltage (1,000V) systems require specialized maintenance infrastructure.
 
7. Overall Summary
The BYD BD11 sets a new benchmark for electric public transport, outclassing many competitors with its 1,000V architecture and integrated Blade Battery technology. Compared to older electric buses like the BYD-ADL joint ventures, the BD11 offers superior range, better interior space utilization, and advanced active safety features, making it a formidable rival to manufacturers like Alexander Dennis and Wrightbus.

Real world range estimates

Not Yet Available

 

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