World’s Largest Zero Emission Bus May be Coming to Wasatch Front
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – APRIL 7, 2015 (GEPHARDT DAILY) The Utah Transit Authority has begun testing an all-electric BYD bus, a large-capacity vehicle that is being called the world’s largest zero-emission bus, in an effort to improving air quality along the Wasatch Front.
The bus is manufactured by a company called “BYD” which stands for “build your dream.” They are the world’s largest manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries. 
The bus would operate solely on battery power emitting no emissions into the air at all and has quite the impressive driving range of 170 miles on a single charge.
UTA is hoping the testing will allow them to put the BYD buses into their 30-year plan of operation. They are planning to make electric buses a key part of the fleet, along with those powered by compressed natural gas.
James Baxter, Manager of Maintenence Administration for UTA says that as a part of the testing procedures they will be operating the buses along State Street from downtown to about 5300 south for passengers to ride on Monday, April 13th.
When asked about the cost to ride the new buses and if they would cost more, Baxter said that is hard to tell at this point until further testing is done to determine it’s efficiency.
The new buses are a fascinating new concept and Baxter wanted to make it clear it was also more than just about the riders. “One of the cool things that we have noticed just over the last couple of days is that the torque curve is instantaneous. What we look at is no matter whether you ride us or not, you’re still one of our customers. The ability to pull out in front of you without slowing you down is also something we are taking into consideration. How to we affect those behind us as we try to creep out into traffic is all a part of the testing and this bus is like a jack rabbit when it comes to torque.”
UTA will also be testing the buses along the already existing rapid transit share bus lines in Taylorsville and is planning on keeping the test buses in town for about two weeks. After that, they will take the information they have been able to gather and determine if these new “battery powered” buses are best for the economy on all aspects of the investment.
The BYD bus is 60 feet long and bends in the middle to allow for better cornering. It holds up to 120 passengers, 53 seats and room for 70 standing passengers.
