We are thrilled to announce that BYD|RIDE, the world's largest manufacturer of electric buses and one-stop shop for intelligent e-mobility solutions, has joined ZEB Con 2023 as a Diamond Sponsor! BYD | RIDE seeks to advance innovation in the transportation and infrastructure market while delivering the most reliable technologies to its customers and improving the quality of life for all. As a Diamond Sponsor for ZEB Con, BYD|RIDE demonstrates its commitment to fostering innovation in clean transportation solutions for the transit industry.

CTE sat down with Frank Girardot Senior Director, Communications to discuss BYD | RIDE's commitment to fostering innovation in clean transportation solutions for the U.S. transit industry.

‍How does your zero-emission technology compare to traditional alternatives in terms of performance, efficiency, and reliability?

‍The most direct and tangible benefit of deploying zero-emission buses (ZEBs) is fuel cost. For example, replacing a fleet of 40 35-foot diesel buses with a fleet of 40 35-foot union-made BYD Buy America compliant electric transit buses could save a transit agency as much as $400,000 a year. Because BYD ZEBs are covered by an industry leading 12-year warranty, over the life of those buses, that agency could save as much as $4.8 million. The Antelope Valley Transit Authority (AVTA) found another way to earn an immediate benefit from operating electric buses - Collecting Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) credits.

In 2016, AVTA's maintenance team leadership applied for a program developed by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and AVTA's LCFS credit program was launched. Starting with just two electric buses, AVTA earned 19 credits in their first quarter, valued at about $80 per credit. As the fleet grew, credits began to accumulate. Selling those credits on the market earned the agency nearly $1 million. In June 2020, AVTA Board of Directors unanimously approved to use a portion of the proceeds from those credit sales to build an on-site wellness center for employees.

‍What are the key benefits that organizations can expect to achieve by adopting your zero-emission technology?

‍In addition to cost savings like those earned by BYD customer AVTA, the most important benefit of electrification is cleaner air. It's no longer debatable that climate change is happening across the globe. The only way to slow it down is by reducing harmful greenhouse gases, and studies show that the bulk of particulate exhaust comes from heavy-duty vehicles that burn fossil fuels or natural gas. Many of those vehicles are used by transit agencies across the U.S. EPA data shows that a transit agency operating 40 electric buses over the course of a year would eliminate 229,167 metric tons of CO2 from being expelled into the atmosphere - that's the equivalent of taking 1,080 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles off the road. Because there's a direct correlation between particulate emissions and respiratory illness, certainly this will result in an overall medical cost savings for communities around the country.

‍Could you provide some insights into the scalability and compatibility of your zero-emission technology?

‍BYD recently introduced its American division: RIDE - Real Innovation Delivered with Excellence. A key component of the new brand is RIDE Eco, a comprehensive, one-stop total solution provider. As the world's largest manufacturer of electric buses, BYD|RIDE is a driving force behind the technological innovations that are transforming urban transportation and empowering the transition to e-mobility on a global level. RIDE will lead the industry by offering a one-stop shop for intelligent e-mobility solutions. RIDE will build upon BYD's proven technology, American manufacturing, and delivery track record, and supercharge the business into a new era of success in the U.S.

‍As a sponsor of ZEB Con, how do you plan to showcase your zero-emission technology and engage with attendees?

‍As the global leader in heavy-duty vehicle electrification, we feel there is a very close connection between BYD|RIDE and attendees at this year's ZEB Con. BYD signed three important global agreements at COP26, calling for worldwide cooperation to speed up the adoption of zero-emission vehicles in all categories and to push forward the rollout of its supporting charging infrastructure. BYD is committed to achieving its zero-carbon goals. The company is providing total solutions that will help accelerate and facilitate the transition to electrification on a global scale. BYD fully embraces this sentiment and pledges to make its contribution to accelerate global electrification and cool the earth by 1⁰ Celsius, to drive a greener world.