EMT Madrid takes over 30 BYD e-buses

EMT Madrid has taken the delivery of the 30 eBuses from BYD, which belong to Spain’s largest single electric bus order so far. Last week the Chinese company also delivered a first batch of vehicles in Turin, out of a 50-units order (and a 100-units framework agreement).

EMT Madrid is particulary known for the deployment of CNG powered buses: in late 2018 the public transport company ordered 276 units of the Mercedes Citaro NGT and 184 Scania N-280 CNG. In 2027, according to plans, one third of EMT Madrid bus fleet will be electric and the other two thirds will be made of gas-powered buses.

EMT takes over BYD e-buses since 2020

The 30 vehicles were handed-over yesterday to the EMT Madrid at the company’s Operations Center in Carabanchel, represented by Mr Borja Carabante, President of EMT Madrid and Environment and Transport Councillor of Madrid; alongside Mr Carlos Sierra, Director of Transportation Services of EMT Madrid; and Mr Alfonso Sánchez, Managing Director of EMT Madrid.

The hand-over follows an initial 15 BYD 12-metre eBuses delivered to EMT Madrid in May 2020 – the first time BYD had supplied vehicles into the Spanish capital. Since entering service, EMT Madrid’s 15-strong BYD eBus fleet has topped over 300,000 km, reducing CO₂ emissions approximately by 300,000 kg, the company says.

45 BYD e-buses to run in Madrid

With this year’s new intake of 30 vehicles are complete, a total of 45 BYD eBuses will be in operation for EMT Madrid – one of Spain’s largest Public Transport Operators with a fleet of approximately 2,000 vehicles running on a network comprising 218 routes. The BYD fleet is replacing the Madrid-based company’s ageing diesel-powered buses.

“The commissioning of these BYD electric buses sees significant progress towards our key objective in Madrid: the elimination of the diesel-powered fleet by 2023, with 100% of our vehicles running cleanly and within the framework of the current Environmental Sustainability Strategy ‘Madrid 360’”, said Carlos Sierra, Director of Transportation Services of EMT Madrid.

“We’re delighted to have been able to bring forward our delivery schedule for EMT Madrid,” said BYD Iberia eBus Sales Director, Joaquín Bellido, “our ultra-efficient production techniques and great cooperation within our supply-chain has allowed us to exceed customer expectations. It is very encouraging to see major PTOs such as EMT Madrid making a determined effort to switch over to an eMobility solution, and I’m very proud that BYD is on the journey, too,” he said, “and also that BYD is at the forefront of the development of New Energy solutions and helping to deliver sustainable public transport infrastructures right across Europe.”