China electric bus buyers prefer LFP batteries as cheaper to make compared with similarly performing ternary compound lithium-ion (NMC/NCA) ones. Another reason is that buses in densely populated megapolises like Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Beijing operate shorter cycles, making battery density less of an issue than in the sparsely-populated USA. Also, LFP batteries are mainly made in China.
The US market prefers NMC batteries because their up to 818kWh capacity (as on the New Flyer articulated electric bus) suits transit operators serving sparsely populated towns and cities.
In Europe cities tend to be more densely populated and bus routes are often short, with more frequent stops and starts, maximising energy recuperation, according to an Interact Analysis report. Despite shorter duty cycles, the trend is towards depot-only charging as opposed to opportunity charging which necessitates larger battery packs.
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