In October, BYD, the world’s largest manufacturer of rechargeable batteries, opened the SkyRail monorail test track at its headquarters in Shenzhen, China.
Last week, BYD Chairman Wang Chuanfu presented the monorail’s ability to address traffic congestion and air pollution problems at the C40 Mayors Summit in Mexico City. He called it a strategic mass transit alternative to subways for heavy traffic routes in small- and medium-sized cities and for tourist attractions in larger cities. The benefits Chuanfu outlined include:
- Capital expenditure 1/5 of of traditional metro
- Construction period 1/3 of traditional metro
- Topographic adaptability due to higher climbing ability and smaller turning radius
- Capacity of 10,000 to 30,000 passengers per hour, each way
- Max speeds up to 80km/h
- Noise reduction to allow for travel through architectural complexes
- Great views for passengers
BYD is privately run, and it develops automobile, electric public transportation, solar power and other innovations. According to the company, BYD’s electric vehicles are in use in more than 200 cities in 48 countries.
SkyRail’s development cost about $757 million and the monorail is positioned as a green technology solution for cities that cannot afford the expense of traditional public transportation systems, or need another layer of transport to further reduce traffic congestion.
“It is essential to relieve pressure on the road by moving some of the traffic to underground and elevated spaces. Therefore, it is inevitable that the development of layered rail transport is essential to transforming ‘cities on wheels’ to ‘cities on rails,’” said the company.
At the C40 Summit, BYD signed memorandums with Edmonton International Airport and Cape Town, South Africa for electric buses. Recently, BYD also signed a deal with Jeju Island, South Korea, for electric buses.
