Europe's largest pure electric bus fleet in full operation at Schiphol

BYD, the world's largest maker of pure electric, emissions free buses is 'honoured' to have helped Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to achieve its sustainability goals by providing Europe's largest fleet of electric buses for its airside operations. This is also the first such fleet at an international airport worldwide.

The fleet of 35 BYD ebuses is now in full service transporting passengers between their planes and the

terminal buildings. This was marked yesterday by a special ceremony at the airport.

Speaking there, Isbrand Ho, Managing Director of BYD Europe, said: "BYD is honoured to have played a key role in helping Schiphol's airside transportation fleet to become one of the greenest in world. This fleet of 35 BYD ebuses is at present the largest fleet of pure electric full size buses operating in Europe, a fact that underlines Schiphol's commitment to sustainability".

BYD is by far the world's largest producer of pure electric buses - more than 3,000 are in service with the mileage of a single bus already exceeding 287,000km. The company has a vision to enhance air quality by electrifying all aspects of road transport and airports.

"With their massive reliance on diesel engined vehicles and ground support equipment, airports represent a great opportunity to clean up the air we breathe", said Mr Ho. "In fact this fleet means that ground transportation on the air side at Schiphol is completely clean now. The rail transportation to the airport is clean and taxi transportation is on the way to be becoming clean so the next step is to make bus transportation to the airport zero emission as well. We stand ready to work with the operators and government regulatory bodies".

Mr Ho revealed that, since the Schiphol fleet entered service six months ago, the 35 ebuses have accumulated a total mileage of approximately 338,000 km with an average energy consumption of 1.2 kWh/km. They have saved approximately 312,000 kg of CO2 emissions1.

Mr Jos Nijhuis, CEO of Schiphol Group, commented: "European quality standards are high. Schiphol's are even higher, where possible. We're only satisfied with the best of the best. Simply because we think our passengers deserve the best of the best. That can occasionally place some challenges on the collaborative process. But the outcome has been good, and I'd like to thank BYD for that".

The ebuses in service at the airport have been specifically tailored by BYD to meet Schiphol's requirements. They have fewer battery packs than other ebuses thanks to BYD's improving power density – this means a good range can be maintained on a single charge while providing more space for passengers and their luggage. BYD also worked closely with the Schiphol authorities to select colours and materials which enhance the riding experience for passengers. The design of the driver's cabin meets The Netherlands' stand for Ergonomic Requirements.

Schiphol's record breaking fleet will hold its title of the largest electric bus fleet in Europe for only a few months: in mid 2016 a fleet of 51 BYD ebuses will start service with Transport for London but BYD is hoping that Schiphol's lead will point the way for other international airports keen to enhance their air quality. As Mr Ho said: "Where Schiphol leads today, other airports can follow tomorrow".