BYD Strengthens Partnership with De Lijn with New Order for 268 Electric Buses Under Existing Framework Agreement
Hoofddorp, Netherlands – BYD, the world’s leading manufacturer of new energy vehicles, has been awarded a new order for 268 B12.b electric buses by Flemish public transport operator De Lijn. The purchase is made under the existing framework agreement for up to 500 standard 12-metre e-buses, marking a major step forward in De Lijn’s long-term electrification strategy and reinforcing the strong partnership between De Lijn and BYD.
BYD B12.b
With this latest order, BYD will supply the full volume defined in the 2023 framework agreement. De Lijn’s decision to proceed with an additional batch of vehicles is based on the excellent operational performance and high reliability demonstrated by BYD’s electric buses that are already in service across Flanders.
The phased delivery of the new B12.b buses is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2027. The BYD B12.b was the first eBus designed on BYD’s next-generation eBus platform, featuring the brand’s breakthrough Blade Battery Chassis. This Cell-to-Chassis technology ingeniously integrates the BYD Blade Battery packs within the chassis, enabling them to form part of the structure. This provides numerous benefits, including enhanced space efficiency and low-floor access for greater passenger convenience.
De Lijn aims to achieve a 100% emission-free bus fleet by 2035, electrifying more than 2,000 vehicles across its network. BYD’s latest e-buses will support this transition with higher energy efficiency, proven safety standards, and enhanced comfort for both passengers and drivers. In June 2025, De Lijn launched its first BYD electric buses into service from the Mortsel depot, serving the Antwerp region. Deployment of the BYD fleet across Flanders continues to accelerate as part of the operator’s sustainability roadmap.
BYD Executive Vice-President Stella Li says: “We are pleased to support De Lijn in the next phase of its transition towards a fully zero-emission bus fleet by 2035. Our latest B12.b e-buses draw on BYD’s strong R&D capability to deliver advanced safety standards, high energy efficiency, and a clean, quiet electric mobility experience. With enhanced comfort features for both passengers and drivers, these vehicles are designed to help create a more modern and attractive public transport network in Flanders. We look forward to contributing to De Lijn’s long-term electrification strategy and its commitment to greener mobility for local communities.”
BYD is a global leader in eMobility and a pioneer in electric commercial transportation. In Europe, BYD is already the market leader in electric buses, supported by strong technological foundations, established manufacturing facilities and reliable operational performance. More than 7,000 BYD ebuses are in operation or on order in over 160 cities across 26 countries.
