Exploration

Denmark is set to welcome a new addition to its public transport fleet, as BYD Automobile Co Ltd, a leading Chinese electric vehicle and battery producer, prepares to trial a full-size, all-electric bus in Copenhagen. This marks the first time BYD has tested its electric bus abroad.

The K9 bus, 12 meters long and 2.5 meters wide, is being trialed by Denmark's biggest public transport agency, Movia. Under a two-year pilot scheme, Movia will test the K9 bus for operational stability, battery-life, running costs, and user satisfaction. Two K9 buses will be deployed on ordinary passenger routes in and around Copenhagen from the second half of 2012.

The partnership between BYD and Movia was facilitated by a Danish government investment initiative aimed at improving Denmark's green-growth competence in foreign markets. Lene Espersen, Denmark's foreign minister, commented on the venture, stating that it highlights the potential of Chinese clean-tech companies testing and developing products in Denmark.

Denmark's cleantech industry already has a good market in China, and this venture indicates that this trend may continue. The K9 bus, if successful, could become the first full-size electric bus to run on ordinary passenger routes in Europe.

The K9 bus has a battery that charges within 4 to 6 hours and can travel 250 kilometers on a single charge. Compared to conventional buses, it is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 55 percent. This aligns with Denmark's clean-energy strategy, presented in February, which aims to make the country free of fossil-fuels by 2050.

The Danish government is encouraging investment in electric transport by waiving registration taxes on electric cars. Movia's director, Dorthe Noehr Pedersen, stated that the BYD buses could be a "very interesting alternative" for Movia, both environmentally and operationally.

Lene Espersen believes that green growth is becoming more crucial and is proud that Denmark is at the forefront in electric cars and electric buses. The K9 bus trial in Copenhagen is the first time a full-size electric bus from BYD is being tested abroad, and it underscores Denmark's commitment to sustainable transport solutions.

The K9 bus has already been rolled out in China, where sales-orders have been high. With the success of this trial, it could pave the way for more partnerships between Danish transport agencies and Chinese clean-tech companies, further strengthening the relationship between the two countries in the realm of sustainable technology.