Colombia took a historic step toward sustainable mobility by unveiling its first 100% electric bus assembled in the country, a milestone that solidifies its regional leadership in green innovation and technology. The vehicle was manufactured in July 2025 at the Cota plant in Cundinamarca, the result of a collaboration between China’s BYD, Japan’s Hino, and Colombia’s Superpolo.
This achievement marks a turning point in the national automotive industry, as it is the first time a fully electric mass transport vehicle has been produced with a high integration of local components. Moreover, it represents a firm step toward reducing pollutant emissions and strengthening Colombian technical talent in the automotive sector.
Features of the first electric bus made in Colombia
The new Colombian electric bus stands out for its efficiency, range, and comfort. According to official data, the vehicle can travel up to 400 kilometers on a single charge, allowing it to operate for an entire workday without recharging. Its charging time ranges from 2 to 2.5 hours, thanks to a next-generation battery system that optimizes energy density and reduces consumption by 10% compared to previous electric models.
In terms of passenger experience, the bus provides a quieter, smoother, and more comfortable ride, with a design intended for urban transit systems such as TransMilenio and other electric corridors under development. This approach combines sustainability with functionality, aiming to improve quality of life in cities while reducing noise and air pollution.
The bodywork was designed and assembled by Superpolo, a Colombian company recognized for its expertise in developing urban and special-transport buses. Meanwhile, Hino and BYD supplied the chassis and electric system, enabling a technological integration between Asia and Latin America that strengthens local capabilities and promotes knowledge transfer.
Colombian production and expansion goals
The bus unveiled in July 2025 is the first in an ambitious national production program of 200 units, scheduled to be manufactured between November 2025 and June 2026. The Cota plant features a specialized assembly line for electric vehicles, where Colombian engineers work alongside international technicians to develop each component under global sustainability and quality standards.
This process not only drives the reindustrialization of the country, but also generates specialized jobs and technological transfer, strengthening local supply chains for auto parts, bodywork, and electric components.
A project backed by the government
President Gustavo Petro visited the plant during the presentation of the first electric bus and emphasized the importance of this achievement for the country’s energy future. “This is a decisive step toward transforming public transportation in Colombia. We aim for our cities to replace fossil fuel buses and vehicles with cleaner, more efficient electric ones,” he stated.
The Petro government has pledged to secure future budgets to help cities purchase electric fleets and to promote the creation of charging and maintenance infrastructure. This initiative aligns with the country’s reindustrialization and fair energy transition policies, promoted by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism.