“Nikkei News” recently reported that the Poncho Z EV, a small electric bus that BYD (01211) planned to supply to Hino Motors, was canceled in Japan due to the use of the carcinogen “hexavalent chromium”. BYD yesterday (23rd) confirmed the use of hexavalent chromium, but emphasized that it will not affect drivers, passengers and maintenance personnel, nor will it pollute the environment.
Hino said it has been in talks with BYD to produce the Poncho Z EV without the chemical, but the two sides have been unable to reach a resolution. Hino reiterated that all electric vehicles sold in Japan need to comply with all necessary regulations and standards.
According to BYD, on the five models of electric buses sold in Japan, solvents containing hexavalent chromium are used in the antirust agent for the screws and nuts. However, BYD emphasized that in the normal operation of the vehicle after manufacture, it will not affect the health of the passengers, drivers, and maintenance personnel on the vehicle; when these vehicles are scrapped in the future, they will also be disposed of harmlessly to ensure that they will not pollute the environment .
According to BYD, hexavalent chromium will no longer be used in new pure electric buses launched by the end of 2023.
At present, other bus companies in Japan have followed suit to suspend BYD electric buses. Seibu Bus in Saitama Prefecture canceled the press conference announcing the launch of BYD electric buses. Kyoto Keihan Bus, which has purchased four BYD electric buses, also said that it is considering the next move. Ehime Prefecture operator Iyotetsu Bus, which uses the Poncho Z EV, said it was considering buying another electric bus.
It is understood that hexavalent chromium has been widely used in auto parts, mainly to prevent rust, but hexavalent chromium is considered to be highly toxic and harmful to human carcinogens. Although Japanese law does not prohibit it, the Japanese auto industry has voluntarily restricted and prohibited its use since 2008.
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