BYD India launches T3 e-van

BYD recently launched the T3 e-van for India. With the new launch, BYD India kick-starts a whole new category of e-vans in the country where traditionally vans like Force Traveller and Tata Winger have been limited to using diesel as the fuel source. Offered in a passenger guise and a cargo variant, the T3 e-van carries BYD’s proprietary battery technology with it, according to Liu Xueliang, Managing Director, BYD India. A result of the company’s 11 year track record in manufacture and supply of EVs in its home country China, and in various other markets of the world, the T3 e-van is claimed to offer a host of innovative features like keyless entry, push-button start, a music system with bluetooth connectivity, reverse parking camera and sensors, and well-designed spaces for cargo storage or passengers. On the components front, the e-van boasts of an automatic transmission, which makes them easy to operate to start with. The T3 features Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electric Parking System (EPB), Brake Override System (BOS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), and more. Its regenerative braking system helps to improve range and save energy. The Controller Area Network (CAN), bus communication system, at the other end, provides smart management and maintenance. Leading to lower cost of urban logistics distribution in the cargo form, the T3 is claimed to help operators reduce fuel consumption and emissions estimated to be equivalent to five passengers cars.

With a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of approximately 2.5-tonne against a kerb weight of 1.7-tonne roughly, the T3 van, in the cargo guise, has a gradeability in the region of 20 per cent, and a top speed of 100 kmph. Incorporating a MacPherson strut suspension at the front and a leaf spring suspension at the rear, the e-van has a peak power rating of 70kW and a peak torque of 180 Nm. The initial battery capacity is claimed to be 50.3kW. Riding on 16-inch dia. tyres, the T3 e-van offers an eight cubic metre cargo space and a payload capacity of 700 kg. The van is said to save 20-litre of gasoline per day when compared to a typical van’s consumption, in an urban environment, doing a run of 200 kms per day. The van boast’s of a 5.75 m turning radius for ease of manoeuvering. Employing lightweight materials like plastics and aluminium in its construction, the T3 seems inspired by the modern European and Japanese vans in terms of design and styling. Its form would make it easier for a layman to think of it as the now-defunct Nissan Evalia (new Ashok Leyland Stile launched in July 2013).

Fully chargeable in 1.5 hours through DC equipment, the e-van, with support for standard AC chargers,is claimed to have a range of up to 300 km on a single charge. The Original Equipment Manufacturer is now actively seeking out local Indian partners for the electric van product series, mentioned Xueliang. He hinted at the battery with proprietary iron-phosphate technology at the core being purpose-built for the 4.46 m long e-van. To be built at the BYD plant near Chennai, claim industry sources, the T3 is expected to have a local content of up to 30 per cent initially. It will be increased over time as

BYD, working with its partner Olectra Greentech Ltd., in India, has invested in two factories, covering more than 140,000 sq. m. In China, DHL is favouring the T3 cargo e-vans. It is known to have ordered 35 T3 cargo e-vans. The arrangement also marks a strategic cooperation between DHL and BYD for warehousing, city distribution and other fields in the Chinese market. The launch of T3 e-van is likely to be followed by the introduction of T6 light truck with a GVW of roughly 7.5-tonnes and a range of 200 km. BYD, mention sources, has cumulatively invested over USD 150 million in India with a business spectrum that spans across mobile components, solar panels, battery energy storage, electric buses, electric trucks, electric forklifts, chargers, rail transit, and more. The confidence that T3 will do well in India stems from the successful trial and induction of BYD buses in various public transport undertakings in India. Claimed to hold 52 per cent market share of e-buses in India, the company is moulding its Indian operations to become the South Asia regional headquarters. Through this, the company is looking at realising a comprehensive localisation strategy in South Asia.