Volvo launches new BZL Electric bus chassis

Australia recently hosted the official launch of the new Volvo BZL Electric bus chassis, with a live broadcast conducted from Volvo Group Australia headquarters in Brisbane to showcase the innovative new battery-electric-powered product. 

With the chassis on show in Brisbane fitted with a Volgren Optimus body, the Volvo BZL Electric will be available in lengths from 9.9 to 12.5 metres and features a proven European driveline, along with the same electrical system, suspension and pneumatic system as Volvo’s B8RLE Euro 6 and B5LH hybrid products. 

The chassis features a low floor without steps in its central aisle, maximising accessibility and ease of use. 

Related reading: 
Linfox gets its second fully electric truck
Commemorative B-Double set for Lights on the Hill
Partnership to remove electric freight vehicle barriers

Milestone model 

The Volvo BZL Electric will first be pressed into service here in Australia by the Western Australian Public Transport Authority, while it also marks Volvo’s initial entry into Britain’s growing e-bus market. 

The virtual event commenced with a welcome and introduction by the President of Volvo Bus Corporation, Anna Westerberg, and was also attended by Mitch Peden, General Manager Volvo Bus Australia; Dean Moule, Electromobility Product Director, Volvo Bus Asia Pacific Region; and Rita Saffioti, Western Australia’s Minister for Transport, among other senior executives and stakeholders. 

Local input, global vision 

Mr Peden said Volvo Group Australia was elated to have played a key role in the Volvo BZL Electric’s development and honoured to host the product’s global launch. 

“After five years of extensive planning, development and testing, VBA was very proud to see the Volvo BZL Electric chassis officially launch globally,” he said. 

“Our electromobility projects have been ongoing for more than a decade, and we are thrilled to have launched such an innovative product that offers our cleanest, safest and most sustainable technology to date for the Australian and New Zealand markets. 

“We take pride in the fact that we have worked consistently to develop and refine the Volvo BZL Electric chassis, ensuring we were taking the appropriate steps in setting up long-term partnerships within the e-mobility space and working on developing specialised training, before officially launching this product – making sure that the Volvo BZL Electric offers the highest quality and safety standards, and ensuring the product will last in line with operator expectations in the Australian environment.”