Will the BYD electric bus work in the USA?

Here’s the all electric BYD bus
Here’s the premise: an all-new electric bus, built by the Chinese electric car company Build Your Dream (BYD) of which, 10 percent is owned by Warren Buffett, is to be built in the United States. Oh, and it’s called the K9, in its home market. Sound crazy? Perhaps you should get used to crazy notions because it’s (reportedly) happening.

The BYD K9 electric bus currently runs 155 miles on an urban cycle and up to 190 miles on a highway run. It can hold up to 27 passengers and has a top speed of just over 62 mph. The electric motors are located in the wheels.

To aid in its charging, the roof is covered in solar panels.

Each K9 bus will cost up to $600,000.

“The Electric Bus is another masterpiece of BYD’s in the field of electrified transportation. The Electric Bus is 12 meters long, and the whole design is oriented around ease of customer transport. The specially designed in-wheel drive and the electronically controlled air suspension makes the Electric Bus with low-floor and ample space to allow easy passenger loading and unloading. The front windscreen occupies 2/3 of the front face of the bus for maximum viewing and safety. The silver body with black side windows gives the Electric Bus an elegant exterior, while the interior boasts exquisite adjustable leather seating for driver plus high-quality red and black leather seats for passengers. Carefully engineered sound insulation for a quiter cabin experience.” – – BYD

An example of the BYD electric bus is currently running shuttle duty for Hertz rental car at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

Electric mass transit is already here; it is cost effective, (fairly) clean and the potential for reliability is impressive. Electric buses are whisper quiet and extremely easy to service. Is the United States ready for an all electric fleet for mass transit? Well, our fuel is cheap and our diesels are entrenched within our transportation  consciousnesses.

We’ll keep on eye on BYD and see where their fortune takes them. For now, I’m planning on hitching a ride on their tester in L.A.

Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism – Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. His words, good humor and video are enjoyed worldwide.