Can the BYD C11 Electric Bus Really Go 730 km on a Single Charge?

Chinese EV giant BYD has unveiled the C11 electric bus, built on its advanced e-Bus Platform 3.0. But can it truly achieve 730 km on a single charge?

BYD launched its latest e-Bus Platform 3.0 and unveiled the all-new BYD C11 electric bus built on the same platform in Hangzhou on September 15.

A global first in bus technology, the platform introduces a 1,000V architecture, redefining safety, efficiency, and long-range capabilities in the electric bus sector.

It integrates advanced silicon carbide (SiC) power electronics along with a next-generation 7-in-1 thermal management system.

Together, these innovations are engineered to cut overall energy consumption by up to 18% and boost driving range by 50 to 80 kilometres, even in sub-zero conditions.

Available with five battery configurations, BYD claims the C11 electric bus can deliver driving ranges of up to 730 km on a single charge.

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Highlights of e-Bus Platform 3.0

• World’s first 1,000V bus architecture for faster charging and improved efficiency.
• DiSus-A body control system for ride comfort and stability.
• High-speed flat tire stability system to maintain control during blowouts up to 100 km/h.
• Driver Disability Assistance 2.0 with one-touch emergency stop for passenger safety.
• CTC (Cell-to-Chassis) technology integrates BYD blade batteries for added strength and luggage space.

Another standout feature of the BYD C11 electric bus is its high-speed tire blowout stability system, designed to maintain stability and control even at speeds of up to 100 km/h.

According to BYD, the system reacts within milliseconds of detecting a tire failure, ensuring rapid intervention to maintain vehicle balance and passenger safety.

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BYD C11 Electric Bus: Specifications

• Length: 11 meters
• Battery Options: 184 kWh, 257 kWh, 311 kWh, 425 kWh, 593 kWh
• Range: 220–730 km depending on configuration
• Over 400 km range under full load with AC running
• Optional active suspension for smoother rides

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730 km Range Too Good to Be True?

Most media outlets are claiming that the new C11 electric bus variant, equipped with a sizable 593 kWh battery pack, offers an estimated range of up to 730 km on a single charge, something that BYD has claimed during the launch event.

While the testing protocol used to arrive at this figure wasn’t explicitly stated, it’s almost certain that the numbers are based on the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC).

Similar 700+ km claims were made when BYD launched the B13 electric bus earlier in June at the UITP Summit in Hamburg, Germany. However, BYD’s official website now lists its range as “up to 450 km.”

For those familiar with global EV benchmarks, it’s important to contextualize CLTC results. Unlike the more demanding WLTP (used in Europe) or EPA standards (in the U.S.), CLTC tends to produce optimistic range estimates primarily.

This is due to its lower average speeds, extended idle periods, absence of aggressive acceleration cycles, and minimal consideration of auxiliary loads.

BYD also shared a more grounded figure – the C11 is expected to deliver over 400 km under “full passenger load with air conditioning running“. That’s a far more realistic number — one that aligns better with operational conditions in actual fleet use.

Of course, the true test will come once the BYD C11 electric bus enters series production and undergoes evaluation under WLTP or EPA protocols, which will provide a clearer, apples-to-apples comparison with other electric buses on the global stage.