Chinese automobile manufacturer BYD has launched a new generation of its 8Y-battery electric yard trucks. The company’s first delivery will include 14 second-generation electric yard trucks to two facilities operated by BNSF Railway in Southern California, where a demonstration project began with six of BYD’s first-generation electric yard trucks in 2018.

The demonstration project is primarily funded through a $9.1-million grant from the California Air Resources Board to the San Bernardino County Council of Governments (SBCOG).

The first phase of the project saw six BYD yard trucks in use at BNSF Railway facilities in San Bernardino and Commerce, California, as well as three vehicles at Daylight Transport in Fontana, California. BYD says it used feedback from operators in the project’s first phase to make improvements on its first-generation electric yard truck.

SBCOG President Darcy McNaboe said, “We are excited to be part of this initiative that will help bring zero-emission yard tractors to the Inland Empire. This demonstration leads to the adaptation of cleaner technology on a much broader scale. Coupling this application with our exploration into zero-emission train technology is a giant step forward to addressing air quality issues in our county and throughout the region.”

Source: BYD