Rapid KL will start electric bus service starting 2026. This was announced by Transport Minister Anthony Loke today at the acceptance ceremony of the final batch of 310 new Rapid KL diesel buses. The electric buses used are made by a Chinese company but will be fully assembled in Johor. This allows for the transfer of foreign technology to be done with local companies.
These electric buses will then operate on high-demand routes in the Klang Valley and Penang. The tender to supply electric buses has already closed with an announcement to be made later.
Rapid KL has been using electric buses since 2015 for its Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service but on a small scale. Then in 2022, 4 electric buses made by BYD were tested for three months. They cover Route 400; Damai Perdana to Lebuh Pudu Hub and Route 650 from Taman Desa to Pasar Seni Hub.