The Golden Arrow Bus Service in Cape Town plans to introduce 60 electric buses every year starting in 2024 to ultimately replace its full fleet of 1 100 diesel-powered vehicles.In 2021, the bus operator implemented a BYD K9 electric bus on a trial basis to test the feasibility of the vehicle to transport commuters in and around the city. In September 2022, GABS acquired another electric vehicle which is more suited to its special operational requirements.
During this trial phase, the buses completed 7 000km without passengers . In June 2021, the operator completed 50 000km with passengers to test the vehicles’ safety and range. The real-life trials revealed that the electric buses could operate on the steepest inclines, notably Hospital Bend on the M3. In addition, the company found that it could save R657 000 per year on diesel costs by switching to electric, and achieve a 50% savings in spare parts and 80% on oils and lubricants.