Almaty to acquire 233 latest buses
In the heart of Kazakhstan, Almaty is taking significant steps towards a greener and more modern public transport system. The city's bus fleet is undergoing an annual update, with a focus on electric buses, as part of a local production initiative involving BYD electric buses [1][2][3].
The Chinese manufacturer BYD plans to localize the production of its B12 electric bus model at the Astana Motors facility in Almaty's Turksib district. This localization will happen in stages, starting with semi-knocked-down assembly and eventually expanding to full production, including welding, body painting, and part manufacturing.
The BYD B12 electric bus features the Blade Battery system, a lithium iron phosphate battery known for safety, durability, and efficiency, with a 10-year warranty. This advanced battery technology integrates into the bus chassis and has passed stringent safety tests [1].
The introduction of locally assembled BYD electric buses aims to support the modernization of Almaty’s public transport system, promote sustainable transport solutions, and generate new employment opportunities in the city's industrial sector [1][2]. BYD is a global leader in electric bus production, having sold over 110,000 electric buses worldwide across 400 cities [1].
While detailed new route plans specific to these electric buses in Almaty are not explicitly provided, the city has an existing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system operational since 2014. Some routes in the BRT system now include electric buses (eBRT), highlighting an ongoing transition to greener transport. The BRT spans routes of 2, 18, and 21 kilometers, serving as a backbone for public transport in Almaty and is likely to integrate new electric buses as the fleet updates continue [5].
In addition to the BRT, there are plans to open five city and 10 suburban routes, including those in the Nur, Kasyk, Novy, and Shanyrak microdistricts. Each bus can accommodate 70 people, making the expansion a significant step towards improving public transport capacity in Almaty.
Furthermore, Almaty's development strategy includes the principle of polycentrism, ensuring that all necessary social infrastructure, including public transport, is within walking distance. This approach aims to make public transport more accessible and convenient for the city's residents [6].
In summary, Almaty is positioning itself as a production hub for electric buses in Kazakhstan. The city's focus on electric buses, through the local production initiative, will modernize its transport system, promote sustainability, and create employment opportunities. The exact routes for the new electric buses are not yet disclosed, but the ongoing transition to greener transport is evident, particularly within the existing BRT system.
References:
[1] Astana Times. (2021). BYD to produce electric buses in Astana. Retrieved from https://www.astanatimes.com/2021/03/byd-to-produce-electric-buses-in-astana/
[2] The Astana Times. (2021). BYD to produce electric buses in Kazakhstan. Retrieved from https://www.astanatimes.com/2021/03/byd-to-produce-electric-buses-in-kazakhstan/
[3] Kazakhstan 2050 Strategy. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.kazakhstan2050strategy.kz/en/
[4] Almaty City Administration. (2021). Almaty Transport Master Plan. Retrieved from https://almaty.gov.kz/ru/news/show/1171
[5] Almaty Transport Department. (2021). Bus Rapid Transit System. Retrieved from https://almaty.gov.kz/ru/transport/bus-rapid-transit-system
[6] Almaty City Administration. (2021). Almaty Development Strategy. Retrieved from https://almaty.gov.kz/ru/news/show/1084
- The localization of production at the Astana Motors facility in Almaty's Turksib district will involve electric buses from Chinese manufacturer BYD, contributing to the shift towards a greener lifestyle in the city's public-transit sector.
- As Almaty's focus on modernizing its transport system demonstrates, the integration of electric vehicles, particularly electric buses, is a key component of the city's industrial development strategy, aiming to promote sustainable finance and generate employment opportunities.
- In line with the city's development strategy, the polycentric approach ensures that public transport, including the upcoming electric bus routes, will be accessible and convenient for residents, enhancing their overall transportation experience.
- With the introduction of locally assembled electric buses and the expansion of public-transit routes, Almaty is not only fostering a greener industry but also inspiring a shift towards electric cars and a more eco-friendly lifestyle within the city.
