Growing Concerns Over IndyGo's BYD Battery Electric Buses Insufficient Range

IndyGo’s new electric buses can’t go the distance

March 2019: IndyGo says the electric buses it intends to use on the Red Line are falling short of expectations in an important way: Drivers have been unable to squeeze more than 256 miles out of a fully charged vehicle, despite the 275-mile charging range promised by manufacturer BYD Ltd.

And on the coldest days, the range falls well below 200 miles, IndyGo test results show.

IndyGo says it’s working with BYD to resolve the problem, which will likely involve adding in-route charging stations and additional buses—at BYD’s expense.

In soliciting proposals for Red Line buses, one of IndyGo’s requirements was that the vehicles be able to run at least 275 miles on a single charge. In its proposal to IndyGo, BYD represented that its K11-model 60-foot electric buses met that standard.

We’re absolutely holding the contractor accountable to what’s in the contract,” said Bryan Luellen, IndyGo’s vice president of public affairs. “We’re actively working on a resolution.”

Another BYD Battery Electric Bus Problem in New Mexico

A better alternative

Hydrogen Buses in China

Help us tell the world about Hydrogen if you can - Thank you!

[DougGrinbergs]

Seriously, somebody made bus tests with empty buses? (:-(

[NjonjoNdehi]

Suitable for school and staff buses because they're only used twice a day.

[hansdauncey]

Was the estimated range NEDC, WLTP or real world? This is an important point that the report reglected to mention and determines how serious the range issue actually is.

[Kiyarose]

They should use Hydrogen Fuel Cells( HFC) combined with Super Capacitors, instead of Batteries!.

[naboolicious]

The remedy for the range problem on all electric buses is to put a diesel engine in them! Problem solved!

[naboolicious]

BYD has changed its name to SBEM. Sucker Born Every Minute!

[-P-C-]

BYD buses aren't supposed to drive long distances. They're designed for stop and go traffic. That being said, it's the operators fault these buses have low range. A fossil fuel powered transit bus almost takes forever to get up to speed, pedal to the metal. The ac running continuously contributes to a lower range.

The test should include real life conditions, slower acceleration and turning off and on the ac. If nobody is in the bus, then there's no need to continuously run the air conditioner.

Charge your driving habits, you're a professional driver not a professional racecar driver.

[Kiyarose]

When will they learn that HFCEV are far greener, more reliable go much further distances, and don’t need to have Earth Wrecking and v expensive Lithium batteries to be periodically replaced!.