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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

China-Based BYD Expands Electric Vehicle Assembly Plant in Lancaster, California

10/11/2017
China-based BYD, the world's largest manufacturer of electric vehicles, will expand its battery-electric bus manufacturing facility in Lancaster, California.

BYD’s products form a complete clean-energy ecosystem. BYD’s photovoltaic panels capture power from the sun, store it in BYD’s energy storage systems, and then use it in BYD’s electric vehicles without ever touching fossil fuels. This model has made BYD a global clean technology powerhouse that is changing what’s possible in electrified transportation.

The company’s expansion of its Los Angeles County assembly plant includes the addition of a new wing to the current BYD Coach and Bus space, bringing the total manufacturing facility to nearly 450,000 sq. ft. This expansion nearly quadruples BYD’s facility from its initial 2013 footprint.

According to company officials, the growth of BYD Coach and Bus reflects a rapid transition to electric transportation and will allow BYD to build up to 1,500 battery-electric buses annually. Since BYD established its U.S. electric bus manufacturing capabilities in Los Angeles County, the company has created nearly 800 full-time jobs throughout the state.

This manufacturing facility expansion will enable BYD to hire up to 1,200 full-time workers at top production-line capacity. This manufacturing facility is powered 100% by renewable energy, which is provided by the City of Lancaster’s Energy Company, Lancaster Choice Energy, officials said.

The BYD Coach and Bus facility also supports R&D and assembly for BYD’s battery-electric medium- and heavy-duty trucks, including delivery, drayage, refuse, and yard trucks, among other product lines. These trucks incorporate the same proven core components that are used in BYD’s commercialized buses and vehicles with several hundred million service-proven miles. By the end of 2017, BYD will have delivered 70 all-electric trucks to 15 customers in North America, with orders for more than 140 trucks to-date.

“Our community has a strong tradition of innovation, and I am proud that BYD has chosen to expand their facility here in Lancaster,” said Congressman Kevin McCarthy. "As BYD continues to develop cutting edge technology that helps transform the transportation industry here in the Antelope Valley and around the country, this investment will help create jobs in our community, keep Lancaster on the forefront of technological advancement, and put emission-free vehicles on our streets.

California Assemblyman Tom Lackey said, “BYD is showing the rest of the country and the world that the Antelope Valley is a great place to build a successful business around the future of transportation.

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