Volvo Buses launches global electromobility solution
Volvo Buses launches global electromobility solution
Volvo Buses is expanding its electromobility offer worldwide – and you can expect to see its all-new product, the Volvo BZL Electric chassis, in the not-too-distant future.
With the launch of the new Volvo BZL Electric chassis, Volvo Buses provides a solid platform for sustainable and efficient public transport in cities around the world, along with reliable and profitable operations for customers. The e-mobility chassis is set to be released in South Africa within the next two years.
“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,” says Anna Westerberg, President of Volvo Buses.
Global demand is rising for electromobility solutions in the public transport sector and Volvo Buses expects a rapid increase in the coming years.
“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,” Westerberg continues.
Circularity is important
Environmental care is at the heart of Volvo. Sustainability, less noise, lower emissions, and reduced CO2 are essential, but Volvo Buses has an even wider scope. Circularity is important, and the new Volvo BZL Electric has been developed to be over 90% recyclable. “We have a lifecycle perspective and take responsibility for the environmental impact of our products, from the cradle to the grave,” Westerberg explains. “This means we ensure that materials, manufacturing, operation, and recycling meet the highest environmental standards.”
Volvo reliability, efficiency, and safety
Volvo Buses has years of experience in electromobility solutions, gained from working closely together with operators all over the world. The new Volvo BZL Electric is designed for both single and double decker applications, with multiple options for bodybuilders.
“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,” says Dan Pettersson, head of international at Volvo Buses.
An electric bus is always part of a system. Route length, frequency, capacity, charging, and local regulations all translate into different solutions. “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,” Pettersson expands. “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,” he adds.
Safety is a guiding star at Volvo, and the new Volvo BZL Electric meets the highest European standards for superior driveability and safe operation. It includes Volvo Buses’ 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, for example outside a school or in a bus depot.
A first-class driving experience and charging flexibility
The Volvo BZL Electric features a driveline developed entirely by Volvo. The 200-kW electric motor 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. The driveline can be configured as a single or dual motor unit, with a power output of no less than 540 hp. This makes the Volvo BZL Electric a tireless hill climber and allows for swift and smooth operation.
The Volvo BZL Electric is designed for charging flexibility, using hardware interfaces for both OppCharge high-power charging en route, as well as CCS charging in the depot. Volvo Buses also offers a usable energy commitment, meaning that Volvo Buses guarantees capacity for an agreed amount of energy for the operation – thus eliminating any customer worries about batteries.
Fast facts: Volvo BZL Electric
Length (mm): 11 815 (single decker) / 10 585 (double decker)
Driveline: Electric motor, max output one/two motors: 200/400 kW (single decker) / 200 kW (double decker)
Gearbox: Two-speed automated manual transmission
Charging: OppCharge – max charge power 300 kW,
Combo2/CCS – max charge power 150 kW
Energy storage capacity: Up to 470 kWh
Published by
focusmagsa
