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BYD K11M

Electric Electric Articulated Bus 2018–present 250–350 kW China

The BYD K11M is an 18-metre articulated battery-electric bus designed for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridors and the highest-capacity urban transit routes. With a 420 kWh Blade Battery and dual drive motors producing up to 350 kW, the K11M carries 130–150 passengers per trip — delivering BRT-level capacity with zero-emission operation on the most demanding urban corridors.

420 kWh

Battery Capacity

240–280 km

Operating Range

130–150

Passenger Capacity

18 m

Vehicle Length

Overview

The BYD K11M is BYD's articulated electric bus — an 18-metre, 3-axle vehicle with an articulated joint at approximately 60% of the vehicle length. The K11M is designed for the highest-demand transit corridors where single unit 12-metre buses cannot provide sufficient capacity at acceptable service frequency. BRT corridors, urban trunk routes, and rapid transit services benefit from the K11M's 130–150 passenger capacity per vehicle trip.

The K11M uses a 420 kWh Blade Battery pack — BYD's largest in the transit bus range. Two permanent magnet synchronous motors (one per driven rear axle) produce 175 kW each, for 350 kW combined output. This power delivery provides the tractive effort needed for a fully loaded 18-metre articulated vehicle on urban grades, with regenerative braking recovering substantial energy on descent and deceleration.

For Azerbaijan's major transit corridors — including the Baku BRT study routes and high-frequency urban trunk lines — the K11M offers a zero-emission alternative to conventional diesel articulated buses. The 420 kWh battery is sized for a full shift of BRT operation without intermediate charging, though pantograph opportunity charging at BRT stops can extend operational range for very high-intensity routes.

K11M in Pictures

Reference images for design, configuration, and real-world use. Broken links fall back to text tiles.

BYD K11M — Articulated BRT Platform

Key Specifications

Battery: 420 kWh Blade LFP — largest in BYD transit bus range
Drive motors: twin permanent magnet synchronous — 175 kW each, 350 kW combined
Operating range: 240–280 km (loaded BRT operation)
Passenger capacity: 130–150 (seated + standing)
Length: 18.0 metres
Axles: 3-axle (1 front, 1 mid-drive, 1 rear-drive)
Articulation: passive articulation joint — rubber bellows passenger connection
Charging: 120 kW DC fast charge; 150 kW pantograph opportunity charging optional
Maximum speed: 80 km/h (BRT governed)
Low floor: full length — multiple wide doors for rapid boarding

Variant / Configuration Comparison

Variant	Power	Range/Payload	Key Feature	Best For
K11M / 420 kWh	420 kWh	240+ km	130–150 pax	Standard articulated — BRT/trunk routes
K11M Pantograph	420 kWh + pantograph	280+ km effective	130–150 pax	Opportunity charging for ultra-high-frequency BRT

Competitor Snapshot

Fleet and commercial buyers should evaluate total cost of ownership, route suitability, charging/fuelling infrastructure, and lifecycle maintenance costs alongside headline specifications.

Model	Core Strength	Main Compromise (Local Context)
Volvo 7900EA Articulated	European premium articulated electric bus	Higher acquisition cost
Solaris Urbino 18 Electric	European articulated electric bus, strong EU compliance	Higher price, less battery capacity
Yutong E18 Articulated	Chinese competitor articulated electric bus	Less global deployment data
BYD K9M (12m)	Same BYD platform, standard capacity — lower cost	Less capacity — multiple buses needed vs single K11M

Service & Support in Azerbaijan

BYD commercial vehicles in Azerbaijan are supported through BYD's growing regional partner network and authorised service arrangements. Fleet customers should negotiate service agreements covering preventive maintenance schedules, parts supply commitments, and response time guarantees before vehicle acquisition. Battery warranty terms should be confirmed in writing for the local market.

Annual battery BMS diagnostic — 420 kWh pack requires extended cell balance review
Articulation joint: semi-annual inspection for bushing wear and seal condition
Twin motor and twin axle: 100,000 km inspection for both driven axles
Pantograph (if equipped): quarterly contact inspection
BRT-sized maintenance facility required — 18m bay minimum for full vehicle access
Tyres: 6 drive/load tyres — commercial HGV rating compliance required

Fleet Cost Estimator (Azerbaijan)

Adjust these values for your fleet operation profile. All figures are estimates for planning purposes only.

Annual distance (km)Consumption (kWh/100km)Electricity price ($/kWh)Annual service budget ($)Annual insurance ($)Annual tire budget ($)

Estimated annual energy use: 112000 kWh
Estimated annual charging cost: $11200
Total annual fleet estimate: $61200
Average monthly estimate: $5100
Estimated per-km operating cost: $0.765/km

Articulated bus carries 1.5–2x passengers of standard bus — higher cost per vehicle offset by lower cost per passenger
BRT infrastructure investment (dedicated lanes, stations) maximises K11M efficiency
Pantograph charging at BRT stations: significant investment but enables lower battery and lighter vehicle alternative
Tyre costs higher: 3-axle vehicle with 6 driven tyres vs 2-axle standard bus
BYD K11M requires BRT-capable maintenance bay dimensions — standard single-bus bay is insufficient

Fleet Procurement Checklist

Verify each item before completing a fleet procurement agreement.

BRT corridor or route capacity analysis confirming articulated bus requirement
Depot and maintenance bay dimensions: 18m clearance required
120 kW DC fast charge or pantograph infrastructure at depot
BYD service agreement in Azerbaijan
Driver articulated bus licence certification
Route infrastructure compatibility: turning circles, bridge weight limits for 3-axle 28t+ vehicle
BRT station platform compatibility with 18m multi-door boarding layout

K11M FAQ — Azerbaijan Fleet Buyers

What is the passenger throughput advantage of the K11M articulated versus standard K9M buses?

A single K11M carries 130–150 passengers versus 70–90 in a K9M. On a BRT corridor operating at 3-minute headways, this doubles the passenger throughput per vehicle slot from approximately 1,600 passengers/hour to 3,000 passengers/hour. The K11M's economic advantage emerges on corridors where demand requires very high frequency with standard buses — one articulated bus replaces the equivalent of 1.5–2 standard buses while requiring only one driver, one insurance policy, and one vehicle maintenance budget.

Is the BYD K11M Right for Your Fleet?

The BRT-scale electric bus — essential for high-frequency corridors exceeding standard bus capacity.

The BYD K11M articulated electric bus is the correct choice for Baku's highest-demand transit corridors where standard 12m buses require very high frequencies to serve passenger demand. The 420 kWh battery, 350 kW drive power, and 130–150 passenger capacity deliver genuine BRT capability with zero-emission operation. The investment in BRT-capable depot infrastructure and driver training is substantial but justified on proven high-demand corridors.