Shanghai (ZXZC)- On October 8, BYD marked a significant milestone as the first 20 electric buses for a South African order rolled off the production line at the company's Qingdao factory, according to a post on BYD Commercial Vehicle's WeChat account.

Photo credit: BYD Commercial Vehicle

The latest move followed the agreement reached between BYD and Golden Arrow Bus Services ("GABS"), a major South African bus operator, in July this year, as part of a broader push to bring electric mobility to the region.

BYD's Commercial Vehicle Division General Manager Tian Chunlong, along with a delegation, met with GABS CEO Meyer Francois to discuss the partnership's progress and operational support for the deployment of the electric bus fleet.

BYD's journey into the South African commercial vehicle market began in 2021 with real-world testing of electric buses. The successful trials culminated in the 120-bus order announced in July 2024. These buses, specifically tailored to meet South Africa's unique climate and traffic conditions, will form the country's first-ever electric bus fleet.