BYD C9 – BYD’s Flagship Electric Coach
The BYD C9 is a 12-meter (40-foot) electric coach bus built for operators needing room, range, and reliability in one zero-emission package. Priced around $400,000 (€370,000), the C9 was the first 40-foot all-electric coach at its 2015 debut, and it’s still a key player in the electric transit game. With room for 49 passengers, a 324 kWh battery, and 250 km (155 mi) range, the C9 fits a sweet spot for shuttles, parks, and mid-distance intercity routes.
BYD C9 Price – Investment in Clean Mobility
Costing $400,000 (€370,000), the C9 isn’t your entry-level coach. But over time, the lower running costs—thanks to the lack of fuel and reduced maintenance—help even out the upfront hit. Operators balancing route efficiency, emissions compliance, and long-term value find this price tag easier to justify with green incentives and lower TCO.
Range – Built for Regional Operations
Rated at 250 km (155 mi) per charge, real-world range tends to land between 200–220 km (124–137 mi), depending on terrain and passenger load. It's built for city-to-suburb routes or day-long loops. Charging at 150–200 kW DC takes around 3–4 hours, making overnight depot refills easy and predictable for scheduled operations.
Battery – Tough, Safe, and Long-Lasting
The 324 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery delivers excellent thermal stability, safety, and longevity. It can survive over 4,000 charging cycles, giving the bus years of useful service. Regenerative braking adds modest energy returns in stop-and-go conditions, boosting efficiency where it counts.
Speed – Plenty for Its Purpose
The twin electric motors, each pushing around 180 kW, let the C9 hit top speeds of 100 km/h (62 mph)—plenty for regional work and urban limits. Acceleration is quiet and steady, making for a smoother ride compared to diesel rivals, especially in crowded city corridors or eco-sensitive areas.
Exterior – Understated and Purpose-Built
Its silhouette is straightforward—streamlined, aerodynamic, and clean. No bold styling cues, just utility. The 12-meter (39.4 ft) frame balances capacity and drivability, while wide windows and a tidy fascia enhance the passenger experience. The C9 is more about getting people there cleanly than turning heads.
Interior – Practical and Passenger-Friendly
The 2+2 layout accommodates 49 seats, with overhead racks for light luggage. Seating is functional—not cushy, but good enough for a couple of hours. Climate control keeps things temperate, and the low-floor option eases access. It’s built to move people efficiently, not pamper them, but the silence and smoothness of the electric drive do make a difference in comfort.
Comparison – The Right Tool for the Route
Compared to diesel coaches with 500 km (310 mi) ranges, the C9 won’t cross the country on a single charge. But it beats them cold in operating costs, maintenance simplicity, and environmental compliance. It’s more capable than the smaller BYD C6 or C8 and lands just below the larger K-series models in capacity and utility.
BYD C9 Availability – A Proven Performer Globally
Since 2015, the C9 has rolled out in cities across North America, Asia, and Europe. U.S. builds come out of Lancaster, California, making it easier for American operators to access parts and support. Fleets like LINK Transit and Storer Transportation use the C9 daily, with drivers praising the ease of handling and low noise. It’s available now—and proven in the field.
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F.A.Q. about BYD C9:
What is the range of this electric coach on a single charge?
The BYD C9 offers a range of up to 250 km (155 miles) per charge, depending on passenger load, terrain, and climate conditions.
How long does it take to fully charge?
The C9 charges in approximately 3–4 hours using a DC fast charger (150–200 kW), making it ideal for overnight depot charging.
What is the top speed?
The C9 reaches a top speed of 100 km/h (62 mph), sufficient for intercity, shuttle, and regional transit operations.
How many passengers can the C9 accommodate?
The BYD C9 offers seating for 49 passengers, making it well-suited for tourism, transit agencies, or corporate transportation needs.
What is the battery capacity?
The C9 is powered by a 324 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery, designed for longevity and thermal stability.
What type of battery does it use?
This coach features BYD’s proprietary LiFePO4 battery technology, known for safety, durability, and a long cycle life of up to 4,000 charges.
Is the BYD C9 suitable for long-distance travel?
The C9 is optimized for short to mid-range routes up to 250 km (155 miles). For longer journeys, charging infrastructure and time constraints must be considered.
What is the price of this electric bus?
The BYD C9 starts at approximately US$ 400,000 (€ price may vary), offering strong long-term value through fuel savings and low maintenance costs.
What are the advantages of using the BYD C9?
The C9 offers quiet, zero-emission operation, robust battery efficiency, smooth handling, and reduced operating costs, making it ideal for green transport in cities and parks.
Where is the BYD C9 manufactured?
The BYD C9 is manufactured in China, with additional production and assembly taking place in facilities like Lancaster, California (USA) and Komárom, Hungary (Europe).
Comparison of BYD C9:
The BYD C9 defines the mid-range electric coach category with a 12-meter frame, 324 kWh battery, 250 km (155 miles) of range, and seating for up to 49 passengers. But in a growing field of battery-powered intercity buses, how does it hold up against rivals like the Yutong ICE12, Proterra ZX5 Coach, GreenPower EV550, and Van Hool CX45E? Here’s a comparison that hits all the key specs—range, capacity, power, battery, and price.
Range
The BYD C9 delivers a real-world range of 200–250 km (124–155 miles) on a single charge. That puts it behind the Proterra ZX5 Coach, which pushes up to 529 km (329 miles) with its top-tier battery option. The Yutong ICE12 manages around 350 km (217 miles), while the Van Hool CX45E, using Proterra batteries, reaches 350–480 km (217–298 miles). The GreenPower EV550 hits around 275 km (171 miles). The C9 is ideal for medium-distance regional hops, but not built for cross-country hauls without charging breaks.
Seating Capacity
The BYD C9 seats 49 passengers, matching the Van Hool CX45E and Yutong ICE12, while the GreenPower EV550 seats over 50, depending on configuration. The Proterra ZX5 Coach typically seats 42–45. All these coaches offer standard 2+2 layouts, but the C9 finds a sweet spot—maximizing passenger load while remaining maneuverable in dense urban fringe routes.
Battery & Charging
Equipped with a 324 kWh LiFePO4 battery, the BYD C9 uses BYD’s trademark tech, known for its thermal safety and extended life (up to 4,000 cycles). Charging via DC fast charger (150–200 kW) takes 3–4 hours, perfect for overnight depot cycles. In contrast, the Van Hool CX45E and Proterra ZX5 support up to 260 kW, and the GreenPower EV550 needs around 3–5 hours. BYD’s battery chemistry favors long-term durability over raw charging speed, making it more cost-effective for predictable schedules.
Performance & Power
The BYD C9 features dual motors delivering roughly 360 kW (482 hp) combined, with a top speed of 100 km/h (62 mph). The Van Hool CX45E and Proterra ZX5 have comparable speed ratings but edge ahead in raw torque. The Yutong ICE12 matches the C9 on top speed but pushes more power with up to 350 kW (469 hp) continuous output. For fleet operators focused on regional or inter-urban service, the C9’s smooth, silent drive and regenerative braking offer operational refinement over combustion-based counterparts.
Price
At approximately $400,000 (€370,000), the BYD C9 is competitively priced for a full-size electric coach. The Van Hool CX45E can top $900,000 (€830,000), while the Proterra ZX5 ranges between $700,000–$800,000 (€650,000–€750,000) depending on battery specs. The Yutong ICE12 and GreenPower EV550 are typically priced in the $350,000–$500,000 (€320,000–€460,000) range. The C9 delivers maximum value for transit operators seeking reliability without breaking the bank.
Verdict
The BYD C9 is a battle-tested electric coach that bridges range, capacity, and affordability in a tidy, 12-meter package. While it doesn’t stretch as far as pricier competitors like the CX45E or Proterra ZX5 in terms of range or luxury, it delivers a balanced, no-nonsense solution for medium-distance transit, tourist loops, and daily shuttle duty. For fleets with dependable charging access and sustainable ambitions, the C9 is a smart, proven investment that holds its own among pricier peers.
