The classic red double-decker bus in London, UK, will soon be "made in China"

The picture shows BYD's new electric double-decker bus model "BD11". Picture from BYD official website

For more than 60 years, red double-decker buses have been driving on the streets of London, the British capital. They have long been a part of London people's life and are as classic as Big Ben, Tower Bridge, red phone booths and fish and chips. Currently, London's red double-decker buses are the "New Road Master" model developed by the Northern Ireland company, but they will soon be replaced by the new electric double-decker bus model "BD11" from the Chinese car brand BYD.

According to a report by Agence France-Presse on May 22, in order to find a replacement model for London's current double-decker bus "New Road Master", the current London Mayor Sadiq Khan recently approved the cooperation between "Go Ahead", an operator of the Transport for London, and China Pure electric bus contract between car company BYD.

It is reported that BYD has provided about 1,800 electric buses to British operators since 2013, but most of them were jointly manufactured with British partners. The model "BD11" involved in this contract is a pure electric double-decker bus with a body length of 10.9 meters and a 532 kWh battery. They will be manufactured in China and imported to the UK by sea.

It is understood that the red double-decker bus, London's representative means of transportation, was first built as a "Road Master" model by United Equipment Company and Royal Parks Motor Company. It was operated from the 1950s to 2005 until February 2012. Only to be completely replaced by new models. The New Roadmaster, manufactured by Northern Ireland's Wright Bus Company, has been nicknamed the "Boris Bus" because it was championed by Boris Johnson when he was mayor of London.

In the near future, the "New Road Master" will also be replaced by the new electric double-decker bus model "BD11" manufactured by China's BYD. While some may be reluctant, it appears to be a good option for Londoners, who have often complained about frequent bus breakdowns. Moreover, the London City Government also hopes to have a 100% electric bus fleet by 2030.