World’s first battery electrified BRT system is launched in Malaysia

On June 1, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak announced the beginning of operation of the BRT Sunway Line, which will feature 15 fully electric buses manufactured and delivered by BYD Company Limited. The Sunway Line is the first battery electrified BRT system in the world, covering a 5.4km route on elevated bus lanes, and aims to provide a better and more integrated transit service for the residents of Kuala Lumpur’s adjoining townships of Bandar Sunway and UEP Subang Jaya.

The new service, operated by Rapid KL, will connect hospitals, universities, commercial shopping and residential areas. 500,000 users are expected to benefit from the system. Malaysian authorities place great importance on environmental protection and have taken substantial measures to control pollution and emissions, as shown with the development of this watershed BRT project.

BYD’s battery electric bus runs 250km on a single charge, using the company’s proprietary fire-safe, non-toxic iron-phosphate battery with in-wheel hub motors and regenerative braking. It offers a silent and comfortable ride, without the uncomfortable jerks and vibrations common to combustion buses.

The bus had been tested and demoed for nearly two years in Malaysia, and by exceeding all requirements to run the BRT Sunway Line, in February 2014, BYD won the Prasarana bidding and was tendered the order to supply all 15 new battery-run electric buses for the project.

https://www.ngvjournal.com/worlds-first-battery-electrified-brt-system-is-launched-in-malaysia/