BYD C6 – A Compact, Electric Coach for Urban Mobility
The BYD C6 is a fully electric, mid-sized coach bus designed to meet the needs of urban and campus transit operators. Built in China and priced at $64,000 (€59,200), it offers a compelling option for short-range passenger transport. It’s not aiming to replace 40-foot diesel buses, but rather to serve a niche that demands agility, lower operational costs, and zero emissions—all in a 23-foot (7-meter) package that’s easier to park and maneuver in tight city spots.
BYD C6 Price – Affordable for Fleets
At $64,000 (€59,200), the BYD C6 undercuts many larger electric buses and competes well with traditional combustion-engine shuttles. Its lower upfront cost, combined with minimal maintenance and government EV incentives, makes it a financially smart option for organizations looking to electrify their transportation services on a budget.
Range – Good for Short Routes
The 135 kWh battery gives the C6 a maximum range of 200 km (124 mi), which is well-suited for short urban loops, airport runs, and campus routes. Depending on passenger load and climate conditions, real-world figures might vary, but for inner-city or institutional use, this range keeps daily operations efficient and worry-free.
Battery – Reliable Power Storage
Equipped with BYD’s lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery tech, the C6 delivers stability and long life. Known for its thermal resilience and up to 4,000 charge cycles, the 135 kWh pack gives peace of mind in daily high-turnover fleet operations. Charging time is around 2-3 hours on DC fast chargers, making it a practical choice for regular overnight recharging.
Speed – Balanced for City Use
Top speed is limited to 100 km/h (62 mph), which is perfect for low-speed zones and city driving. Acceleration is smooth thanks to the electric drivetrain, providing steady torque for hauling up to 40 passengers in stop-and-go conditions without the usual engine rumble or gear changes found in diesel buses.
Exterior – Compact and Functional
At just 23 feet (7 meters) in length, the C6 is built to squeeze through tight lanes and crowded drop-off zones. Its exterior is clean and minimal—more practical than flashy—with available accessibility features like ramps and wide doors, depending on operator needs. The streamlined profile and simple color palette keep it professional-looking across different service environments.
Interior – Simple but Purposeful
The interior fits 21 passengers comfortably, with options for either 2+1 or 2+2 seating. There's overhead storage for light luggage, generous window coverage for daylight, and climate systems built for standard city duty. Don’t expect plush seating or entertainment systems—it’s a purpose-driven layout prioritizing function over form.
Comparison – Where It Excels
When put up against larger models like BYD’s own K9 or North American diesel minibuses, the C6 stands out for its price-to-range balance and compact size. It’s not trying to be an intercity coach, but it delivers exceptional utility for short-haul urban service with a lot less environmental impact and maintenance overhead.
Availability – Proven and Ready
Sales began back in 2016, and the C6 has since proven itself in global deployments from Singapore to North America. In the U.S., it's assembled at BYD’s California plant, ensuring easier compliance and service access for American fleet buyers. Availability is broad, and growing demand for smaller zero-emission transport options makes it a timely solution for operators ready to go green.
View photos
Watch the Video Overview
F.A.Q. about BYD C6:
What is the range of this electric coach on a single charge?
The BYD C6 offers a range of up to 200 km (124 miles) per charge, suitable for short-haul routes such as airport shuttles, urban loops, or campus transport.
How long does it take to fully charge?
Charging the BYD C6 takes approximately 2–3 hours using a DC fast charger, making it ideal for overnight depot charging or mid-day top-ups.
What is the top speed?
The C6 has a maximum speed of around 80–100 km/h (50–62 mph), which is sufficient for its intended urban and short-distance travel roles.
How many passengers can it accommodate?
The BYD C6 seats up to 21 passengers and can carry up to 40 individuals depending on the standing configuration, making it ideal for shuttle services and group transport.
What is the battery capacity?
This coach is powered by a 135 kWh battery using lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) chemistry, known for safety, longevity, and thermal stability.
Is the BYD C6 suitable for long-distance travel?
No, the C6 is designed for short-range routes. Its 200 km (124 miles) range makes it ideal for urban, campus, and local shuttle services rather than long intercity routes.
What type of battery does it use?
The BYD C6 uses a nickel–metal hydride battery, although newer models are often equipped with BYD's proprietary lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) technology for enhanced performance and safety.
What is the price of this electric bus?
The BYD C6 starts at approximately US$ 64,000 (€ price may vary), offering a competitive option for operators looking to transition to electric fleets.
What are the main advantages of the BYD C6?
The C6 provides zero-emission, quiet operation, compact dimensions for maneuverability, and reduced maintenance compared to diesel buses, making it a strong choice for clean, small-scale transit solutions.
Where is the BYD C6 manufactured?
The BYD C6 is manufactured in China, with final assembly options in local markets such as the USA to meet regional regulations and fleet demands.
Comparison of BYD C6:
The BYD C6 has carved out a niche in the compact electric coach segment, offering room for 21 passengers, a 135 kWh battery, and up to 200 km (124 miles) of range. But how does it compare to similar electric minibuses like the GreenPower EV Star, Phoenix Zeus 400, Vicinity Lightning EV, and Ford Transit Electric (Shuttle Upfit)? Let's break down range, seating, performance, battery, and price to see where the C6 stands.
Range
The BYD C6 delivers a range of 200 km (124 miles) on a full charge. That’s comparable to the GreenPower EV Star, which offers 240 km (150 miles), and ahead of the Ford Transit Electric Shuttle, which maxes out at 203 km (126 miles). The Phoenix Zeus 400 leads this category with 273 km (170 miles), while the Vicinity Lightning EV provides 240 km (149 miles). The C6 performs well for short-haul routes but may fall short for operators needing all-day service without recharging.
Seating & Capacity
The BYD C6 is built to transport 21 seated passengers, making it suitable for campus loops, hotel shuttles, and urban routes. The GreenPower EV Star and Vicinity Lightning EV can both seat up to 24 passengers, while the Phoenix Zeus 400 offers up to 34 seats, targeting mid-sized transit routes. The Ford Transit Shuttle EV, in contrast, seats only 12-15 passengers, giving the C6 a strong middle-ground advantage between low-capacity and mid-range buses.
Performance & Speed
The BYD C6 is powered by a 135 kWh battery with a top speed of 64 km/h (40 mph)—perfect for low-speed urban zones. The GreenPower EV Star reaches 105 km/h (65 mph) and uses a 118 kWh battery, while the Phoenix Zeus 400 clocks 89 km/h (55 mph) with a 150 kWh battery. The Vicinity Lightning EV also hits 105 km/h (65 mph), and the Ford Transit Electric Shuttle tops out at 120 km/h (75 mph). While the C6 is ideal for local use, it lags behind others in highway flexibility.
Charging & Battery Technology
The BYD C6 features lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery tech, known for thermal stability and longevity—up to 4,000 charge cycles. Charging via DC fast charger takes 2-3 hours, placing it ahead of Ford’s Transit EV, which can take over 8 hours on Level 2. The GreenPower EV Star supports DC fast charging in 2.5 hours, while the Vicinity Lightning uses a similar charging window. BYD’s use of LFP cells gives the C6 an edge in durability and safety, though its lower charging speed may require better schedule planning.
Price
At an estimated $64,000 (€60,000), the BYD C6 is one of the most affordable full-size electric minibuses on the market. The GreenPower EV Star costs around $190,000 (€177,000), the Phoenix Zeus 400 starts at $230,000 (€215,000), and the Vicinity Lightning EV is priced close to $230,000 (€215,000) as well. The Ford Transit Electric Shuttle Upfit begins around $59,000 (€55,000), but with fewer seats and limited cargo room. The C6 strikes a balance between capacity and cost-effectiveness, making it ideal for municipalities or private fleets with tight budgets.
Verdict
The BYD C6 offers a compelling mix of affordability, solid battery tech, and compact design, perfect for shuttle applications and last-mile transit. While it can’t compete with the speed, range, or passenger capacity of some higher-end electric coaches, it excels in value and reliability, especially for operators needing a durable, no-nonsense EV minibus. If you're looking for a green, cost-conscious people mover under $70K, the C6 punches above its class.
