BYD acknowledges using toxic chemical in electric buses for Japan

TOKYO -- Chinese electric-vehicle giant BYD confirmed Thursday the presence of a toxic chemical in electric buses for the Japanese market, saying the substance does not carry health risks while also indicating plans to end its use.

"Normal post-manufacturing operation of the vehicles will not affect passengers, drivers or maintenance staff," local unit BYD Japan said in a statement. "The vehicles will be detoxified before being scrapped, leaving no impact on the environment," it said.