The BYD B12.b HF has won the Sustainable Bus Award 2027 in Madrid, setting a new mark for electric intercity transport. Its long-range battery and integrated tech push zero emission travel forward.
The spotlight was on zero emission transport at FIAA Madrid 2026. The BYD B12.b HF took home the Sustainable Bus Award 2027 in the Intercity category. An international jury of specialist journalists picked this electric bus for its long range and advanced battery. Sustainable Bus reported that the award ceremony took place in Madrid on September 23, 2026, as part of FIAA 2026. The event showed how much sustainable public transport is gaining ground.
The B12.b HF stands out for its range. It can travel up to 655 kilometers on one charge. This is possible thanks to BYD’s own Blade Battery, built right into the chassis. BYD controls battery, vehicle, and propulsion system development in-house. This gives the company a strong position in the electric bus market. The B12.b HF was already on sale before the award. Autobusweb confirmed it hit the market in late 2025, covering FIAA 2026.
FIAA 2026 saw a record 110 exhibitors, an 18% increase over the previous edition, with 40 new companies joining the event.
Domenico Gostoli, who leads BYD Commercial Vehicles for Europe, said the real test is making innovation work for operators every day. "Our integrated technology and energy offering is designed to support that transition across Europe," he said. BYD wants to make electric mobility a real option for transport providers.
The B12.b HF is built for more than just city streets. It is aimed at intercity, suburban, and tourist routes. The bus offers plenty of luggage space and comfort for passengers. BYD’s goal is to match or beat the total cost of ownership of diesel buses. The company wants electric buses to be both cleaner and cost-effective. Autobusweb noted the model’s integrated electric design and focus on regional and intercity use, which sets it apart from city-only electric buses.
Switching to electric fleets is a big task for European transport groups. It is not just about the bus. Operators have to deal with energy use, charging stations, maintenance, battery life, and keeping buses on the road. BYD’s answer is its Total Energy Solution. This approach helps operators manage energy, infrastructure, and costs as they move to electric fleets.
The BYD B12.b HF is classified as a high-floor class II electric bus, specifically designed for regional and intercity routes, and was launched commercially at the end of 2025, well before its award at FIAA Madrid.
At FIAA 2026, BYD showed both the B12.b HF and its low-floor urban version, the B12.b. This move expands BYD’s European bus lineup. The company is aiming to cover everything from city routes to long-distance travel.
Interest in electric transport is growing beyond buses. Recent reports on Spain’s car market show electric and hybrid sales are rising fast, with Chinese brands gaining ground.
BYD’s push for integrated solutions and sharp pricing makes it a strong player in Europe’s shift to zero emission travel. The B12.b HF’s win at FIAA Madrid is more than just an award. It shows that long-range electric intercity buses are now a real option. For operators facing tough choices on fleet renewal, the message is simple: electric buses are here, and they work.
