Volvo Buses has expanded its electromobility offer worldwide with the launch of the new BZL Electric. Providing a solid platform for sustainable and efficient public transport in cities worldwide, the BZL Electric is designed for reliable and profitable operations for customers for single and double-decker applications with multiple options for bodybuilders.
Volvo Buses said that the company expects a rapid increase in the coming years as the global demand for electromobility solutions in the public transport sector is rising.
Volvo BZL Electric has been developed to be over 90% recyclable. The company has years of experience in electromobility solutions from working closely together with operators worldwide.
The new BZL Electric meets the highest European standards for superior drivability and safe operation. It includes the latest connected technology offer - Volvo Connect. With features such as Volvo's Zone Management, the operator can create safety zones where the maximum speed is limited, such as outside a school or bus depot.
The driveline developed by the company is powered by a 200 kW electric motor and is coupled to a two-stage automated gearbox. This increases wheel torque at low speed and evens out current peaks, thus reducing energy consumption and sustaining motor and battery health. In addition, the driveline can be configured as a single or dual motor unit with a power output of no less than 540 hp. It helps the bus to climb hills at ease, thereby allowing for swift and smooth operation.
The bus is designed for charging flexibility using hardware interfaces for both OppCharge high-power charging on route and CCS charging in the depot. The bus maker also offers a usable energy commitment, which means that Volvo Buses guarantees capacity for an agreed amount of energy for the operation – thus eliminating any customer worries about batteries.
Anna Westerberg, President of Volvo Buses, said, '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. With the new Volvo 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.'
Dan Pettersson, Head of International, Volvo Buses, said, '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. 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 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.'