The 40-ft low-floor transit buses are equipped with BYD-designed and -built iron phosphate batteries, delivering 324 kWh of power that come with a 12 year warranty, the industry’s longest electric battery warranty available. The batteries can run for up to 155 miles of typical urban driving on the service routes with recharging requiring only four hours.

The buses seat 35 and have room for more than 60 standing passengers. The transit agency began testing the vehicle on service routes in January.

SunLine Transit Agency is a joint powers authority formed in 1977 to operate the Coachella Valley’s public transportation system. Its fixed route and paratransit vehicles travel more than 4 million miles per year, covering over 619 bus stops located throughout a 1,120 mile-service area, carrying approximately 4.82 million riders.

SunLine Services Group regulates three taxi franchises who provide taxi services throughout the Valley. SunFuels alternative fueling station offers compressed natural gas and hydrogen for SunLine and the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week.