LA makes enormous e-bus order from Shenzhen-based BYD

China's electric vehicle maker BYD was a major part of the largest order of electric buses in American history.

The Los Angeles Department of Transportation last week announced it has placed the largest order for electric buses in the country, and 134 of the 155 vehicles will come from BYD.

Four BYD buses have been delivered to the city, and the rest of the fleet is expected to be delivered over the next several years starting in March. To ensure clean operation of the electric buses, LADOT has also built a new three-acre maintenance yard, the EV charging infrastructure of which can hold up to 70 buses at a time, and it also features solar panel canopies over the yard.

BYD North America President Stella Li emphasized the order was significant for the company, saying "this is the real thing, not a small order or a demo anymore."

The Shenzhen-based automobile company began pilot operations in Los Angeles four years ago, and its clients include LADOT, Los Angeles International Airport and the University of California Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti praised BYD for building the fleet with an "all-American" workforce. "BYD has its American headquarters here in Los Angeles," he said, "and we're happy we are doing this together."

The record-breaking order will help advance the core goals of "LA's Green New Deal: Leading By Example" — which includes measures to make LADOT's bus fleet entirely emissions-free in time for the opening ceremonies of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.