Singapore's multi-modal public transport service provider - has signed a memorandum of understanding with China's BYD. Under terms of the MoU, the two firms will discuss establishing a joint venture to distribute BYD's electric eBUS-12 and e6 taxis in Singapore.

SMRT's executive vice-president of commercial business and roads, Teo Chew Hoon, said: "In our day-to-day operations at SMRT, we look into air, water and energy management diligently. To further promote better air quality, we are exploring the use of electric vehicles in our bus and taxi fleets that the company is actively exploring the feasibility of battery-powered buses and taxis."

BYD claims that, when fully charged, both the BYD eBUS-12 and the e6 taxis can travel up to 300 kilometers under optimal conditions. BYD's definitition of optimal, however, includes not running the airconditioning, which would certainly be sub-optimal for Singapore passengers.

Last month BYD received a contract for 300 eBUS012s to be used at the 2011 International Universiade Games taking place in Shenzhen, China, later this year. Thereafter, they will be incorporated into the Shenzhen Bus Group fleet.

A fleet of 50 BYD e6 taxis has been in service in Shenzhen for more than a year and has clocked up a combined total of more than three million kilometers.