Volvo launches new BZL electric bus chassis

Volvo has launched its new Volvo BZL Electric chassis fitted with an Australian made Volgren Optimus body and tailored to meet demanding Australian operating conditions and asset life expectancy.

At a virtual global launch event mirrored at the company’s Brisbane headquarters this morning, Volvo Bus Australia (VBA) displayed one of two locally made e-busses destined for handing over the Western Australian Public Transport Authority (PTA), the BZL’s launch trial customer.

The event featured segments from Sweden, Australia, the United Kingdom and Mexico and was hosted in Brisbane by Australian general manager Mitch Peden and Asia Pacific electromobility product director Dean Moule.

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

“Our electromobility projects have been ongoing for more than a decade, and we are thrilled to have launched such an innovative product.”

The BZL chassis is available in lengths from9.9 to 12.5 metres and offers a full low-floor layout with no steps in the isle of the vehicle.

It is built around a European electric driveline and shares many features with VBA’s existing Euro 6 and B5LH hybrid products.

Peden said: “The Volvo BZL Electric has been developed in line with stringent European and Australian standards and align with with what our Australian and New Zealand customers need and expect from an electric product in terms of quality and safety.”

Picture: Volvo Bus Corporation

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