Chinese automaker BYD today unveiled its latest electric intercity bus, the B13.b, at the UITP Global Public Transport Summit. The 13.2‑metre vehicle marks the European debut of the new-generation Blade Battery Chassis platform and is engineered to offer up to 700 km of zero-emission driving range, based on Standardised On‑Road Test (SORT) cycle data.
Built on the Blade Battery Chassis, the B13.b integrates the lithium‑iron‑phosphate (LFP) battery directly into the vehicle’s structure through cell‑to‑chassis technology, boosting structural rigidity and allowing for a low‑floor design for easier boarding. The bus’s chassis has been optimized for weight savings and efficiency thanks to this construction.
Battery capacity has been increased to 560 kWh a gain of 54 kWh over the previous model—enabling BYD to claim the impressive 700 km range. For operators needing less range, a 476 kWh battery option delivers up to 620 km on a single charge.
Passenger capacity is also up: the B13.b seats 49 passengers and accommodates a total of up to 78 riders—an increase of eight seats compared to its predecessor. Propulsion comes from two hub-mounted hairpin-wound electric motors, each rated at 150 kW, powered through BYD’s new 6‑in‑1 silicon‑carbide controller.
Charging flexibility is a key feature of the B13.b. Operators can choose dual‑side charging with two 192 kW chargers, single‑side 192 kW DC fast charging, or overhead pantograph charging at up to 500 kW. A top speed of 100 km/h meets intercity transit approval standards.
The B13.b follows the B12, which debuted at Busworld Europe 2023 as BYD’s first model on the Blade Battery Chassis. With more than 6,500 e‑bus orders and over 360 million miles driven across Europe, BYD continues to expand its footprint in zero‑emission public transport.
