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BYD's revolutionary 700 km range electric bus breakthrough eliminates range anxiety, delivering sustainable transit solutions with proven Blade Battery technology.
The transportation industry just witnessed a breakthrough moment. BYD unveiled its B13.b electric bus at the UITP Summit in Hamburg, featuring an impressive 700-kilometer range on a single charge. This 700 km range electric bus isn’t just another vehicle launch—it’s addressing one of the biggest concerns plaguing public transit electrification. Moreover, this achievement represents a significant leap in sustainable transportation technology that could reshape how we think about 700 km range electric bus solutions.
Range anxiety has long been the elephant in the room for electric public transit. However, BYD’s latest innovation proves that electric buses can now match and even exceed the operational capabilities of their diesel counterparts. Furthermore, this development signals a new era where transit operators can confidently embrace zero-emission technology without compromising service reliability.
The B13.b achieves its remarkable 700-kilometer range through BYD’s proprietary lithium iron phosphate (LFP) Blade Battery technology, with a maximum battery capacity of 560kWh. Meanwhile, the Blade Battery’s unique design increases space utilization by over 50% compared to conventional lithium iron phosphate block batteries.
What makes this 700 km range electric bus technology particularly impressive is its Cell-to-Pack (CTP) approach. Additionally, the blade battery utilizes CTP technology, arranging individual long and thin cells directly within the battery pack without intermediate modules. Consequently, this design maximizes energy density while maintaining the safety standards that LFP chemistry provides.
The safety advantages can’t be overlooked either. Blade Battery has safely passed the nail penetration test without emitting fire or smoke, with surface temperatures reaching only 30-60 degrees during testing. Therefore, transit operators get both exceptional range and peace of mind regarding passenger safety.
The B13.b is powered by two 150 kW hub motors and features BYD’s proprietary integrated thermal management system. Furthermore, the new B13.b is equipped with BYD’s proprietary 6-in-1 controller, incorporating Silicon Carbide technology, which reduces weight by 14% and decreases volume by 40%.
This integration isn’t just about cramming more technology into a bus. Instead, every component works synergistically to extend range while improving operational efficiency. As a result, the 700 km range electric bus delivers performance that makes sense from both environmental and economic perspectives.
Traditional electric buses typically offered ranges between 200-400 kilometers, forcing operators to plan routes carefully around charging infrastructure. However, the B13.b can travel up to 700 kilometres on a single charge while comfortably carrying up to 78 passengers. Subsequently, this range capability means most intercity and even some long-distance routes can operate without mid-day charging stops.
For transit planners, this represents a fundamental shift. Previously, electric bus adoption required significant route modifications and charging infrastructure investments. Now, however, operators can electrify existing routes with minimal operational changes, making the transition to sustainable transport much more straightforward.
Charging options for the B13.b include standard DC fast charging at 192 kW single-side or dual-side charging with two 192 kW connections, plus compatibility with pantograph charging at up to 500 kW. Therefore, fleet operators have multiple charging strategies to optimize their operations.
This flexibility matters because different routes have different charging opportunities. Consequently, the 700 km range electric bus can adapt to various operational scenarios, from overnight depot charging to quick top-ups during driver breaks.
The environmental impact of widespread 700 km range electric bus adoption would be substantial. Currently, BYD estimates that 130 buses will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 8,225 metric tons per year and by 98,700 metric tons over the buses’ 12-year life. Additionally, this represents an 81% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to compressed natural gas buses.
When we scale this impact globally, the potential becomes even more impressive. BYD eBus models have collectively driven more than 360 million miles in Europe, contributing to more than 630,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions reduced. Furthermore, as more transit agencies adopt long-range electric buses, these environmental benefits will multiply significantly.
Cities worldwide are setting ambitious carbon neutrality targets, and transportation represents a significant portion of urban emissions. However, the 700 km range electric bus technology provides a practical pathway for transit agencies to contribute meaningfully to these goals without sacrificing service quality.
Moreover, the extended range capability means fewer buses can cover the same routes, reducing the total number of vehicles needed while maintaining service frequency. Therefore, this efficiency gain amplifies the environmental benefits beyond just switching from diesel to electric power.
As of 2025, BYD has received more than 6,500 eBus orders across 26 countries in Europe, covering more than 160 major cities. Meanwhile, BYD’s fully electric bus sales rose 128.5% year over year in July 2025, demonstrating strong market acceptance of their electric bus technology.
This market momentum suggests that long-range electric buses like the 700 km range electric bus are moving from niche applications to mainstream adoption. Additionally, as more manufacturers develop competing technologies, we can expect continued innovation and cost reductions in this space.
The expected operating cost per mile of an electric bus is approximately $0.20 to $0.30, compared to $1.30 per mile for an equivalent diesel or natural-gas powered bus. Furthermore, BYD calculates that a BYD ebus over 8 years saves about $190,000 in energy costs.
These economic advantages become even more compelling with longer-range buses because operators can run longer routes without additional charging infrastructure investments. Consequently, the 700 km range electric bus offers both environmental and financial incentives for transit agencies.
Smart transit agencies are taking a phased approach to electric bus adoption. Initially, they test electric buses on specific routes to understand operational patterns and charging requirements. Subsequently, they expand to longer routes as battery technology improves, which is exactly where the 700 km range electric bus fits perfectly.
This gradual approach allows agencies to build operational expertise while minimizing risks. Additionally, it provides opportunities to train maintenance staff and develop charging infrastructure systematically rather than attempting wholesale fleet replacement.
While the 700-kilometer range reduces charging frequency requirements, strategic infrastructure planning remains crucial. However, the extended range provides more flexibility in charging station placement and timing. Therefore, agencies can optimize their charging infrastructure investments based on actual operational needs rather than battery limitations.
Furthermore, the multiple charging options available for the 700 km range electric bus mean that agencies can choose charging strategies that best fit their operational patterns and budget constraints.
BYD is developing a second-generation Blade battery with higher energy density and 20% reduced power consumption, expected to increase driving range by 3%. Moreover, this technology evolution suggests that today’s impressive 700 km range electric bus capabilities are just the beginning.
As battery technology continues advancing, we can expect even longer ranges, faster charging, and lower costs. Therefore, transit agencies considering electric bus adoption can be confident that the technology will continue improving rather than becoming obsolete.
Over 40 countries have announced plans to phase out diesel buses by 2040, with cities like London, Paris, and Shenzhen leading the transition. Additionally, BEBs captured approximately 25% of global new bus sales in 2024, marking a significant increase from just 8% in 2020.
This momentum indicates that long-range electric buses will become the standard rather than the exception. Consequently, the 700 km range electric bus technology represents the direction the entire industry is heading, making early adoption a strategic advantage rather than a risky experiment.
BYD’s 700-kilometer range electric bus breakthrough represents more than just an incremental improvement—it’s a fundamental shift that eliminates the primary barrier to electric bus adoption. By combining advanced Blade Battery technology with smart integration and proven safety, this 700 km range electric bus delivers the operational flexibility that transit agencies need.
The environmental benefits are clear, with significant carbon emission reductions supporting global sustainability goals. Meanwhile, the economic advantages make electrification financially attractive rather than just environmentally responsible. Most importantly, the extended range capability means that transit agencies can electrify their fleets without compromising service quality or operational efficiency.
As cities worldwide race toward carbon neutrality, the 700 km range electric bus technology provides a practical, proven solution that transforms sustainable transportation from an aspiration into an achievable reality. The question isn’t whether electric buses will dominate public transit—it’s how quickly agencies will embrace this technology to serve their communities better while protecting the environment.