BYD Ready To Electrify Philippine Bus Services, If The Philippines Is Ready

---

---

---

“We are ready to address the public transport requirements in the Philippines,” Liu Xueliang, General Manager of BYD Asia Pacific’s Auto Sales Division, said, responding to a question from CleanTechnica on the availability of solutions for decarbonizing bus services in the country.

The bustling thoroughfares of the Philippines, particularly Metro Manila’s iconic EDSA, represent both the lifeblood and a significant challenge for urban mobility. Amidst calls for modernization and a shift towards sustainable transport, BYD, the world’s leading electric bus manufacturer, has positioned itself as ready to play a pivotal role. With Liu’s commitment to addressing the country’s transport challenges, attention naturally turns to the potential for large-scale electric bus deployment, with the EDSA Busway emerging as a prime candidate for such a transformation.

BYD electric buses already ready

BYD’s journey in the Philippines began modestly but meaningfully. As early as 2018, the company made headlines with an announcement to supply ten electric buses to the country through a partnership with Columbian Motors Corporation (CMC). This initial delivery was a significant step, setting an early precedent for electric public transport. However, the widespread deployment of these specific buses on major routes faced various logistical and infrastructural hurdles, characteristic of pioneering efforts in a new market.

BYD’s commitment to demonstrating electric bus viability in the Philippines was further evidenced in 2020, when the company donated two electric buses to the Department of Energy (DoE). These vehicles were intended to serve as proof-of-concept units for public transport applications, allowing local authorities to evaluate the technology’s suitability for Philippine operating conditions. While these demonstration units provided valuable insights, questions remain about their long-term operational performance and maintenance requirements in the country’s tropical climate and challenging road conditions.

In the ensuing years, BYD’s presence diversified. The company cemented its commitment to the Philippine market not just through passenger vehicles but also through strategic partnerships. Collaborations with local giants like Meralco saw the deployment of BYD T3 and e2 electric vehicles for corporate fleets, showcasing the practicality and efficiency of their battery technology in real-world applications. Similarly, the introduction of BYD electric buses for Cebu Pacific’s airport shuttle services underscored the growing confidence in electric solutions for specialized transport needs. These developments, though not immediately focused on mass public transit, have gradually built an ecosystem of acceptance and familiarity with BYD’s advanced electric vehicle technologies across the archipelago.

The EDSA Busway could be electrified

The EDSA Busway, a dedicated bus rapid transit (BRT) system that traverses the length of Metro Manila’s busiest highway, stands as a critical artery for millions of commuters. Its unique design, featuring median-located stations, necessitates a specific bus configuration: left-hand drive vehicles with passenger doors on the left side (or both sides) to facilitate seamless boarding and alighting. Electrifying this corridor presents an unparalleled opportunity to significantly reduce emissions, mitigate noise pollution, and enhance the commuter experience in one of Southeast Asia’s most congested urban centers.

However, significant challenges remain. The Philippines’ power grid, while improving, still faces reliability issues that could affect charging infrastructure. The high upfront cost of electric buses — typically 2–3 times that of diesel equivalents — poses a substantial financial hurdle for transport operators already operating on thin margins. Additionally, the tropical climate and frequent flooding in Metro Manila raise concerns about battery performance and vehicle durability over extended periods.

This is where BYD’s global expertise becomes particularly relevant. As the world’s leading electric bus manufacturer, holding the largest global market share as of 2024, the company has deployed electric buses across numerous cities worldwide, giving it extensive experience with diverse urban transport demands, including high-capacity BRT systems. However, success in the Philippine market will still require addressing local challenges that go beyond manufacturing expertise.

BYD’s Potential Solutions for the EDSA Busway

For a project as ambitious and vital as the EDSA Busway, BYD offers several electric bus models from its international portfolio, though each comes with implementation considerations. During the BYD Technology Tour, CleanTechnica asked what possible solutions could be available.

1. The BYD K9 (Classic Workhorse): The K9 is arguably BYD’s most deployed electric bus globally, a 12-meter (40-foot) low-floor model with a proven track record in various climates. Its battery provides approximately 250–300 km of range on a single charge, suitable for daily BRT operations. However, questions remain about charging infrastructure requirements and maintenance costs in the Philippine context. The K9 can be configured as a left-hand drive vehicle with multiple left-side doors to match the EDSA Busway’s station layout. Though, customization may increase costs and delivery timelines.

2. The BYD K12A (High-Capacity Articulated Solution): The K12A, a 27-meter bi-articulated electric bus capable of carrying up to 250 passengers, represents a high-impact solution for peak-hour capacity. While impressive, its deployment on EDSA would require significant infrastructure modifications, including reinforced charging stations capable of handling its substantial power requirements and potentially upgraded road surfaces to handle the additional weight compared to conventional buses.
3. The BYD B12 (Next-Generation Urban Transit): Incorporating BYD’s newer Blade Battery technology, the B12 offers improved energy density and safety features. However, this newer technology comes at a premium, and long-term performance data in tropical conditions remains limited. The B12’s advanced features, while appealing, may also require specialized maintenance expertise that could be scarce in the local market initially.

Market reality & competition

While BYD leads the global electric bus market as of 2024, it faces competition in the Philippine market from other established players. Chinese competitors like Yutong (which remains strong in European markets with a 16% share in 2025) and King Long, as well as European manufacturers like Volvo and Mercedes-Benz, are also exploring opportunities in Southeast Asia’s growing electric bus sector. Local transport operators have expressed cautious optimism about electric buses but remain concerned about total cost of ownership, charging infrastructure availability, and service support networks.

“The technology is impressive, but we need to see real operational data over several years before making major fleet commitments,” noted one transport operator who requested anonymity. This sentiment reflects the broader industry caution about transitioning from proven diesel technology to electric alternatives without comprehensive local support systems.

The successful deployment of electric buses on the EDSA Busway would require substantial infrastructure investment. Charging stations capable of rapid charging during brief layovers, upgraded electrical grid capacity, and specialized maintenance facilities would all need to be established. Conservative estimates suggest infrastructure costs could reach $50–100 million for full corridor electrification, raising questions about funding sources and cost recovery mechanisms.

The Philippine government has shown support for electric vehicle adoption through policies, in particular the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA), but specific funding commitments for public transport electrification remain limited. International development banks and climate financing could play crucial roles, though securing such funding often involves lengthy approval processes.

Full disclosure: BYD invited the author representing CleanTechnica. BYD Philippines paid for all the travel and accommodation costs.