Volvo buses has launched the battery-electric successor to its diesel chassis, available for bodying by local manufacturers worldwide
In an online premiere, Volvo Buses has launched its latest offering in the electric bus field as part of its plans to expand its electromobility offer worldwide. With its new BZL electric chassis, Volvo Buses said it is aiming to deliver a solid platform for sustainable and efficient public transport in cities around the world, along with reliable and profitable operations for customers.
The new chassis has been designed for both single and double-deck applications with multiple options for bodybuilders, continuing the manufacturer’s strong tradition of working with manufacturers in local markets around the world.
“We are committed to leading the transformation of our industry towards a more sustainable future. With the launch of the new Volvo BZL Electric, our ambition is to offer the world’s most responsible electric bus systems. We do it by focusing on sustainability, safety and reliability,” said Anna Westerberg, President of Volvo Buses. “With the new BZL Electric we offer a global platform for clean, silent, and energy-efficient public transport to meet the rising demand on important markets that are ready for the shift to electromobility. We have a lifecycle perspective and take responsibility for the environmental impact of our products, from the cradle to the grave. This means we ensure that materials, manufacturing, operation and recycling meet the highest environmental standards.”
The new BZL e-bus chassis has been developed to be over 90% recyclable.
“The new Volvo BZL Electric is based on proven and successful technologies already implemented in Europe. All the chassis and driveline components have been developed and manufactured by Volvo. To safeguard the premium qualities of our buses we partner up with selected bodybuilders around the world,” added Dan Pettersson, Head of International at Volvo Buses. “Through experience, we know that we need to work closely together with our customers and partners to be able to tailor electromobility solutions to each individual city. And through our worldwide service network and dedicated service teams, we can ensure the reliability and efficiency of our products and services even in the long-term perspective. It’s all about delivering zero unplanned downtime.”
The BZL chassis will include Volvo Buses’ Volvo Connect system, with features such as Volvo’s Zone Management, allowing the operator to create safety zones where the maximum speed is limited.
The driveline features a 200kW electric motor coupled to a two-stage automated gearbox which increases wheel torque at low speed and evens out current peaks, reducing energy consumption and sustaining motor and battery health. A maximum of 470kWh of battery capacity will be offered, and the driveline can be configured as a single or dual motor unit with a power output of no less than 540hp.
As a single-decker, the BZL is 11.815m long, whilst the double-deck option is 10.585m. In the UK and Irish market, initial bodywork on offer will be by MCV, whilst in the Australasian market the first chassis has a Volgren single-deck body. The chassis has been designed for charging flexibility using both OppCharge high-power charging on route as well as CCS charging in the depot, and Volvo Buses also offers a ‘usable energy commitment,’ meaning that it guarantees capacity for an agreed amount of energy for the operation, helping to remove operator worries about batteries.
