Finland’s first BYD eBuses arrive in Turku
Nobina has taken delivery of 43 15m eBuses from BYD, the first BYD’ vehicles in the Finnish bus market. The initial deliveries form part of a total order from Nobina for 119 BYD eBuses – the largest order in Finland – and the first time BYD’s latest 15m model will enter commercial operations.
The new fleet is being deployed on Nobina’s services in the city of Turku on Finland’s south-western coast. The remaining 76 BYD eBuses will be delivered to Nobina’s Helsinki region operation in mid-August, with models including the 15m eBus, 12m models, the latest 13m variant and the company’s high-capacity 18m articulated bus.
Nobina becomes the first public transport operator in Europe to take delivery of BYD’s latest 15m, three-axle, low-entry eBus model. The vehicle offers a 47+3 seating capacity and a total passenger capacity of more than 90. BYD iron phosphate batteries deliver a single-charge range of 400km under SORT test conditions. Pre-heating for the entire saloon provides a more comfortable on-board climate for passengers and driver, and a full cabin-surround for the driver offers COVID-19 protection.si
BYD now has more than 500 vehicles either delivered or on order with public transport operators in over 20 towns and cities throughout Scandinavia. And Nobina operates more than 200 BYD eBuses across Sweden, Norway and Finland. Most recently, BYD has supplied 12m eBuses to Nobina for services in the town of Piteå in the north-east of Sweden.
“Everyone at Nobina Finland is extremely excited to commence BYD eBus operations in the Turku area.” says Petri Auno, CEO, Nobina Oy. “Our route network is extensive, so a large number of passengers stand to benefit from the new vehicles and a more environmentally friendly method of public transport.”
BYD Europe Managing Director, Isbrand Ho, adds, “This is another significant moment for BYD in the Nordic region, where the market clearly shows BYD as the preferred supplier of battery electric buses. Our special relationship with Nobina goes from strength-to-strength too and we’re thrilled to be sharing the fantastic landmark of Finland’s largest ever order for electric buses.”