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Recharge Wrap-up: Renault Zoe driving video, BYD Buses in Campinas

Wed, Jul 22 2015 A new video shows drivers how to get the most range out of the Renault Zoe. By managing one's driving style, as we all know, one can minimize energy consumption. The Zoe's Econometer and R-Link screen give feedback about the rate of consumption, which helps let the driver know that they should hold back in the throttle. The R-Link system shows the distribution of energy in real time. It also analyzes the driving route and gives feedback at the end of the session. The Zoe also has an Eco button that automatically limits consumption regardless of driving style. Pre-programming climate control can also help improve range. These are all features we're more or less familiar with, but see how they work in the Renault Zoe in the video above.

Tesla has announced it will release its second quarter results on August 5. After the automaker releases its financial information on that day, it will hold a live question and answer conference call webcast to discuss those results and outlook at 5:30 Eastern. The second quarter ended June 30. Read more at MarketWatch.

Campinas, Brazil will add 10 BYD electric buses to its fleet. It is the first city in Brazil to have a zero-emissions bus fleet. Campinas will be using BYD's 39-foot, four-door K9 battery electric bus, but the K11 articulated electric bus will also begin testing in the city soon. Campinas Mayor Jonas Donizete likes the electric buses because "they are very comfortable, almost noise-free, and great for the environment," and they will help reduce the city's air and noise pollution. BYD plans to open factories for electric buses and solar panels in Campinas over the next year, investing about $108.5 million from 2014 to 2017. Read more in the press release below.

BYD to Deliver 10 Electric Buses to Campinas Public Transport Fleet

07/22/2015

(Campinas, Brazil): BYD do Brasil and Campinas City Administration announced this month, the addition of 10 battery-electric buses to the city's public transportation bus fleet. Campinas is a city in the interior of the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil, and will be the first in the country to have a fleet of fully electric, zero emission buses operating in its streets. The model chosen to integrate the fleet in Campinas is the BYD K9, a 12-meter, 4-door, low-floor urban bus, with universal accessibility for passengers with limited mobility. Its innovative design was especially suited to the Brazilian market, and features optimized power performance as compared to its diesel counterpart. The BYD K11 articulated electric bus – which features the longest driving range in the world in the category – had also been demoed to the Mayor, and will soon begin testing in the city.

Campinas Mayor, Jonas Donizete, was really impressed with the bus's quality and technology, and said that "they are very comfortable, almost noise-free, and great for the environment". He also mentioned that the city has a lot to gain with such technology, from better quality of life, reduction of pollutants and incentives to public transportation, and that he is very excited that BYD chose Campinas as the basis for its production units in Brazil. The company's factories – one for electric buses and the other for solar panels, to be opened in the second half of 2015 and first half of 2016, respectively – will supply both Brazilian and Latin American markets. Between 2014 and 2017, BYD will invest around R$ 350 million and generate around 650 jobs.

The electric buses will come as a boon to the people of Campinas, for the fleet will greatly improve residents' quality of life by significantly reducing air and noise pollution. BYD's Director of Government Relations, Adalberto Maluf, stated that additionally to being emissions free and incredibly silent; the buses' outstanding energy efficiency will greatly reduce operational costs to the city administration. He also mentioned that leading cities worldwide like Los Angeles, London and New York have already advanced in this agenda, and now, not only the people of Campinas, but also its administration can enjoy the incredible benefits of this innovative technology. Campinas Environment Secretary, Rogerio Menezes, stated the city's leadership at a moment when the international community is getting ready for the UN Climate Conference (COP-21) in Paris at the end this year.
Related Gallery Renault Zoe at Rallye Monte-Carlo ZENN 2014
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By John Beltz Snyder


See also: These EVs are the worst when it comes to depreciation, Weekly Recap: Volvo buys Polestar, makes performance a priority, Recharge Wrap-up: BorgWarner buys Remy, Citroen's Bluesummer.