BYD, manufacturer of new energy vehicles and power batteries, will provide Golden Arrow, a bus operator in South Africa, with 120 electric buses, marking a significant step towards the electrification of local public transport in the country.

“This agreement marks a historic step towards establishing the first electric bus fleet in South Africa, demonstrating strong commitment to sustainable transportation and reducing carbon emissions,” BYD said in a statement.

BYD’s electric buses have undergone an extensive period of rigorous testing with Golden Arrow since 2021.

“Under demanding conditions, such as simulating peak passenger capacities and conquering Cape Town’s steepest inclines, the robustness and reliability of BYD’s electric buses were unequivocally demonstrated,” BYD said.

The new fleet consists of 12,5 meter-long electric buses with 65 seats. These buses are equipped with lithium iron ore batteries and incorporate BYD’s unique six-in-one controller, integrating six critical components into a single compact module for enhanced efficiency and reliability.

Delivery of the electric buses is scheduled to commence in December this year with plans for full delivery by the end of next year.

Francois Meyer, CEO of Golden Arrow, expressed his pride in the company’s pioneering role: “As a company with such a rich history, we are proud to be the first to bring electric buses to South Africa’s public transport space. This partnership with BYD underscores our commitment to innovation and sustainability”.