Summary
- Golden Arrow Bus Services in Cape Town has signed a purchase agreement with BYD for 120 B12 electric buses
- Deliveries scheduled to start late in 2024, with all buses expected to be operational before December 2025
- The order marks a turning point in the company’s future trajectory towards renewable energy and fleet electrification
- Golden Arrow has been operating for 160 years with a fleet size of 1,200 buses and 2,500 employees
- The pilot study with 2 BYD electric buses showed $34,000 in reduced costs per bus per year
Article
Golden Arrow Bus Services in Cape Town, South Africa, has signed a purchase agreement with BYD for 120 B12 electric buses, marking the largest ever order for electric buses in the country. The deliveries are expected to start in late 2024, with all buses operational before December 2025. This order signifies the company’s commitment to renewable energy and its plan for full fleet electrification. The CEO, Francois Meyer, sees this as a turning point in the company’s trajectory and a step towards achieving its sustainability goals.
The company’s renewable energy journey began in 2017 with the pilot installation of two solar plants, followed by an increase in solar capacity in 2020 to achieve carbon-neutral electricity status for two facilities. In 2020, Golden Arrow partnered with BYD and uYilo for testing two 100% electric buses for a year, leading to the subsequent introduction of BYD electric buses into service in 2021. With a bus fleet size of 1,200 buses and 2,500 employees, Golden Arrow has been a pioneer in implementing electric buses in South Africa.
The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for electric buses has been attractive for Golden Arrow, with the pilot study showcasing reduced costs per bus per year. The company’s collaboration with GreenCape for a real-life case study highlighted the benefits of electric buses in terms of battery range, charging duration, energy efficiency, performance, maintenance impact, energy cost savings, and passenger satisfaction. The successful pilot phase led to the purchase of additional BYD buses and eventually, the order of 120 electric buses for a mass rollout to replace the diesel fleet.
After completing 200,000 km of road testing with BYD electric buses, Golden Arrow’s decision to purchase 120 electric buses shows confidence in the technology and its benefits. The company’s commitment to renewable energy and sustainability is evident in its actions towards full fleet electrification. By incorporating electric buses into its operations, Golden Arrow aims to reduce carbon emissions and provide clean, efficient public transport solutions. The partnership with BYD and the successful pilot programs have paved the way for a transition to electric buses in South Africa.
As Golden Arrow Bus Services continues its journey towards full fleet electrification, the purchase of 120 BYD electric buses is a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to renewable energy and sustainable transport solutions. With a history of over 160 years in operation, Golden Arrow’s transition to electric buses signifies a shift towards greener and cleaner public transportation. The success of the pilot programs and the decision to invest in electric buses demonstrate the company’s dedication to reducing its carbon footprint and providing efficient, environmentally-friendly transport options for commuters in South Africa.
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