How does it compare?
Speed
The BYD K7M ER 30 rolls with a top speed of approximately 56 mph (90 km/h). Respectable, but the Proterra Catalyst E2 zips past at 65 mph (105 km/h). The New Flyer Xcelsior CHARGE hits roughly 62 mph (100 km/h), while the Volvo 7900 Electric and Van Hool Exqui.City 18 keep pace at about 62 mph (100 km/h) and 55 mph (88 km/h) respectively. Not quite a snails race, eh?
Range
Range anxiety? Not here. The BYD K7M ER 30 boasts a fairest-in-the-land figure of 200 miles (322 km). The Proterra Catalyst E2, however, scoffs at that with an eye-watering 350 miles (563 km). Following closely, the New Flyer Xcelsior CHARGE offers a solid 200 miles (322 km), while the Volvo 7900 Electric touches 170 miles (273 km). Trailing, yet still impressive, the Van Hool Exqui.City 18 manages 174 miles (280 km).
Power
Under the hood, the BYD K7M ER 30 flexes a sturdy 180 kW. Crossing swords, the Proterra Catalyst E2 pushes the envelope with 220 kW. The New Flyer Xcelsior CHARGE flexes with 160 kW, while the Volvo 7900 Electric valiantly pulls 160 kW. The heavyweight here, the Van Hool Exqui.City 18, maxes out at 240 kW.
Charging Time
Charging up for the BYD K7M ER 30 takes around 3 hours. The Proterra Catalyst E2 refuels in a jaw-dropping 1.5 hours with its mega-fast charging capability. The New Flyer Xcelsior CHARGE takes about 3 hours, while the Volvo 7900 Electric resets in 4 hours. Finally, the Van Hool Exqui.City 18 clocks back up in roughly 3-4 hours.
Price
If we talk ducats, the BYD K7M ER 30 swings at around $450,000 (£330,000, €382,000). Not a faint-hearted sum, but consider the Proterra Catalyst E2 with its princely $750,000 (£552,500, €637,500). The New Flyer Xcelsior CHARGE and its $650,000 (£478,000, €552,500) still present a steep hill. The Volvo 7900 Electric tags in around $650,000 (£478,000, €552,500) too. The supreme Van Hool Exqui.City 18 propels beyond at a robust $1 million (£735,000, €850,000).

