BYD introduces the eBUS-12 EV in Korea

The world's largest electric vehicle maker BYD showcases the eBUS-12 at Seoul Marina, Tuesday. The eBUS-12 is BYD's first commercial electric vehicle bus introduced in Korea. / Korea Times photo by Jhoo Dong-chan

By Jhoo Dong-chan

The world's largest electric vehicle (EV) maker BYD has introduced its first EV bus, the eBUS-12, to Korea, aiming to make inroads into the nation's commercial vehicle market with its eco-friendly technology.

Suncore, the BYD eBUS-12's sales dealer in Korea, said the EV bus has a driving range of 250 kilometers per charge, which takes four hours. Unlike most other EV models equipped with a lithium-ion battery, the bus mounts a lithium-iron phosphate battery, which has better durability and a longer life span.

"Most EVs with a lithium-ion battery have a charge-discharge cycle of 1,500 times. The eBUS-12 has 4,000 times," said a Suncore official during an unveiling event for the EV bus model." Considering the average travel distance of Seoul city buses, the eBUS-12 would be able to run for over 11 years without changing batteries."

Taking account of the average charging price of 147 won per kilowatt, electricity for each eBus-12 would cost 1.1 million won every month, saving nearly 3.8 million a month compared to existing diesel-powered buses running on the Seoul street now.

Even compared to existing CNG-powered buses, the bus's fuel cost would be half of that. Plus, it does not produce emissions.

Due to its affordability and low operating cost, more than 50 major bus operators and owners across the country participated in the unveiling event, proving their great interest in the model.

Some bus company officials expressed their concerns about the country's lack of proper infrastructure for EV, but the official said it will provide the charging device for less than 10 million won for each bus garage.

"Another advantage of the eBus-12 is its battery durability," the official said.

"The eBus-12's lithium-iron phosphate battery can withstand heat as high as 350 degrees Celsius while other EV models with a lithium-ion battery can sustain only 150 degrees Celsius.

The 40-seater bus can travel at a maximum speed 80 kilometers per hour.

The Chinese carmaker is the world's largest EV maker, selling 61,722 cars last year, followed by Tesla with 50,574 and Mitsubishi with 48,204.

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