In this undated photo, workers are seen in the middle of manufacturing an e-bus in a BYD factory. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

Kowloon Motor Bus Company (KMB) on Monday announced that it has taken delivery of 42 double-decker electric buses manufactured by BYD and plans to put them into service in Hong Kong this month.

Roger Lee Chak-cheong, managing director of KMB, said that KMB has a clear goal for net zero-emission development and is gradually realizing its goal of upgrading the entire fleet to new energy buses by 2040

The bus operator stated that representatives from Shenzhen-based BYD have delivered the vehicles. Representatives from the two firms met in Hong Kong on Friday to discuss the latest technology and development trends of new-energy buses.

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They made a trial run aboard the new-generation double-decker and visited Kowloon Bay Depot, inspecting its bus washing facilities, maintenance equipment, and the coin-box operation and dispatch team, to gain a deeper understanding of th application and daily operations of electric buses at KMB.

Roger Lee Chak-cheong, managing director of KMB, said that KMB has a clear goal for net zero-emission development and is gradually realizing its goal of upgrading the entire fleet to new energy buses by 2040.

“The first double-decker electric bus is expected to be put into use this July,” he said, adding that KMB will continue to cooperate with BYD in terms of maintenance, battery applications, and other aspects related to the operation of the new buses to strengthen its technical skills.

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Last year, 16 single-decker electric buses made by BYD were put into service in Hong Kong. Tian Chunlong, general manager of BYD Commercial Vehicle Operation Division, said they have been running smoothly and were well-received by the public.

Tian also stated that BYD will provide KMB with more advanced and high-quality electric bus technological support to contribute to Hong Kong’s carbon neutrality mission.