KMB’s first electric buses to commence services on July 30

Hongkongers can finally ride on electric buses as the first batch of KMB’s electric double deckers, built by mainland automaker BYD, will commence service on Sunday (Jul 30), running route 213M to travel between On Tai and Lam Tin MTR station. 

Making the announcement on Thursday, the bus giant said the electric buses can carry up to 115 passengers and charging requires only two hours. The buses can then run for another 300 km, which is sufficient for operations of around 80 percent of buses for the whole day. 

The layout of the electric buses is similar to that of existing double deckers, but there will be more room between the seats and a broader passage. 

The roof will be equipped with solar-power panels and LED lights inside. There will also be two parking spaces for wheelchairs, free 5G Wi-Fi network, and USB ports for passengers to charge their phones. 

Assistant operations director Douglas Mak Shing-pong said the buses will go to the bus depot in Kowloon Bay for charging at night. The buses can charge while parking there without having to line up. Currently, there are charging facilities at the bus depots in Sha Tin, Lai Chi Kok and Kowloon Bay. 

Head of corporate communications Kenny Kan Hok-hei added the price of an electric bus is about one-third more expensive than that of a diesel-run double decker. Yet, the prices for parts and the electric tariff are less likely to fluctuate. 

KMB also plans to build a multistory new energy bus depot at Tuen Mun and Tai Po, providing some 850 charging and parking spaces. The two new bus depots are expected to cost HK$2 billion. 

The bus giant also said a total of 52 electric double deckers will commence services within this year. Services may be expanded to cover other busy routes throughout the city later. 

KMB also expects to purchase 500 more double deckers by 2027. 

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