Electric bus undergoes trial run in Thong Lo area
The electric bus created by BYD, the world's largest electric vehicle (EV) maker from China, has begun a test run on Bangkok’s streets, offering free rides to commuters in the Thong Lo area until April 30.
The test run is being conducted by Rever Commercial Vehicles Ltd, an authorised dealer of BYD EVs in Thailand.
Rever CEO Pratarnwong Phornprapha said on Thursday that testing on actual streets is an important step for the company following the recent approval for BYD to establish an assembly factory for EV buses and trucks in Thailand. This will be BYD’s first assembly facility outside of China.
The test run has been using BYD’s B70 bus model to pick up and drop off passengers at shopping malls and tourist attractions in the Thong Lo area, one of Bangkok’s busiest business districts.
The bus runs from 6am to 9pm daily from Thong Lo Port, passing Watthana District Office, Thong Lo police station, Camillian Hospital, Home Place Building, J Avenue, Marche Thonglor before terminating at Thong Lo BTS station.
The B70 bus has a capacity of 36 seats and can travel up to 150 km per single charge. It is equipped with such amenities as USB charging ports at all seats, a ramp for wheelchair users, and safety sensors at the doors.
“EV buses in a big city offer a good solution for PM2.5 air pollution, thanks to the low carbon emissions,” said Pratarnwong. “We have received a positive response from passengers since the test run started, which gives us confidence that BYD vehicles can help improve Thailand’s public transport to meet international standards.”
The CEO added that Rever Commercial Vehicles is eyeing manufacturing electric vehicles for commercial use to serve the tourism, logistics, transport, and mass transit sectors while promoting the use of renewable energy for a sustainable future.
