Green transport and smart technology: Almaty’s akimat and BYD have reached an agreement to localize the production of electric buses.

Particular attention during the negotiations was focused on the exchange of experiences in the field of digital transformation. Shenzhen, as a technological leader in China, has demonstrated significant achievements in the development of the "smart city" concept over a relatively short period of 45 years. Today, the city is globally recognized for its use of big data, artificial intelligence, and digital twins to enhance urban management efficiency.

During the visit, the Akim of Almaty was presented with the Shenzhen Urban Transportation Planning Center Co., Ltd. (SUTPC), which provides strategic and comprehensive urban planning services. SUTPC develops and implements digital twins of cities, cloud platforms for managing transportation systems, and utilizes neural networks and big data to optimize urban flows, reduce congestion, and improve road safety. Following the meeting, Yerbolat Dosaev and Qin Weizhong agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in digitalization, urban planning, and the transfer of new technologies and competencies.

To familiarize himself with innovations in transportation infrastructure, Yerbolat Dosaev also visited the headquarters, manufacturing facilities, and R&D center of BYD, located in Shenzhen.

The Akim of Almaty was introduced to BYD electric buses, whose battery safety and quality are considered among the safest in the world. BYD batteries have been tested in the winter conditions of Denmark. Additionally, they have successfully undergone puncture tests, heating to 300°C, and recharging without ignition. In 2023, the BYD Blade battery received the "Innovation of the Year" award from the British organization Electrifying.com.

As reported during the meeting with Yerbolat Dosaev, the General Director of Commercial Transport at BYD Group, Tian Chunlun, stated that agreements have been reached with Astana Motors to launch the assembly production of BYD electric buses at the commercial vehicle plant in Almaty, marking an important step in the development of the city's automotive cluster.