CATS adds three more BYD K8M battery-electric buses to its fleet

The Capital Area Transit System (CATS) in Baton Rouge, La., received delivery of three more BYD all-electric buses.  

The zero-emission, smooth-riding K8M 35-foot buses were built by BYD at its Lancaster, Calif., coach and bus manufacturing facility. Each vehicle is equipped with a 435kWh LFP battery and can be fully charged within three hours. 

The most recent delivery represented the final installment of a nine-vehicle purchase by CATS from the company. CATS has committed to growing its zero-emission bus fleet to at least 50 percent of the total number of vehicles it operates. 

“We care about reducing emissions and protecting the environment. The more electric vehicles we have, the better it will be for all of us,” said CATS Interim CEO Dwana Williams. 

BYD’s partnership with the transit agency earned CATS the “Rising Star” award from the Louisiana Clean Fuels organization. Every American-built, zero-emission BYD bus eliminates approximately 1,690 tons of carbon dioxide over its 12-year lifespan, according to the U.S. Transportation Department. 

“We’re proud to support CATS’ commitment to providing zero-emission transit in Baton Rouge, with all-electric buses that are made here in the United States and employ technology that is revolutionizing the industry,” said Patrick Duan, senior vice president of operations, BYD. 

Each bus has a 32-passenger seating capacity and a 28-passenger standing capacity.