BYD is a Chinese company known for its electric vehicles and batteries. It unveiled its new electric bus called the C12 DUO on November 3 during the first day of Euro Bus Expo 2026 in Birmingham. BYD gave visitors their first look at the coach during a press conference at the event.
This is BYD’s first bus that is designed specifically for the UK market. The bus is now available for purchase. The bus is expected to begin passenger services in spring 2027.
The bus is 12.3 meters long, 2.5 meters wide, and 3.5 meters high. It uses BYD Fe batteries with capacities of 429 kWh and 495 kWh. According to BYD, it can travel up to 340 miles on a single charge. Each bus can carry up to 57 passengers.
The bus also has USB ports, power sockets, and a special area for wheelchairs. The driver gets a heated and ventilated air-powered seat and a multimedia pad called D-Link.
The bus comes with different safety features. These include a fire control system in the rear compartment, adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. It also warns drivers about possible front collisions, lane changes, tiredness and distractions. Other features include blind spot alerts, speed control assistance, an alcohol lock system, event data recorders and a 360-degree camera view.
Euro Bus Expo is held every two years at the NEC in Birmingham. This year’s show runs from November 3 to 5 and features more than 200 exhibitors and over 80 vehicles. Entry is free, and the event brings together bus operators, transport officials and other transport industry groups.
BYD first shared its bus plans in April 2026. Frank Thorpe, managing director of BYD UK Commercial Vehicles said then that this bus would be built just for the UK, not copied from any other bus sold in other countries. BYD has also hinted that it may launch more buses in the future. Reports shows the company is developing another electric bus for the European market, with its arrival expected in 2027.
BYD already has a strong presence in the UK bus market and is the second largest bus maker in London. Its single-deck buses are available in four different sizes, ranging from 9.9 to 11.8 meters. In April, Thorpe said the company places batteries below the roof level in its single-deck buses. He also confirmed that future single-deck buses will follow the same design.
BYD now plans to expand its business beyond London. Speaking at the event, Thorpe said the company wants to reach more areas across the UK.
Other makers also showed new vehicles. CBC introduced its Voyage E14 battery-electric coach for the UK, and Pelican Bus and Coach brought five Yutong vehicles.
Thorpe also highlighted the challenges facing the bus and coach industry. He mentioned changes in bus service management, low number of passengers and limited support for the sector. He said BYD plans to develop future products that can help reduce these challenges. BYD also said that this new bus is part of its wider effort to expand its business across the UK and support the transport industry.
