Volvo Buses
UNITED KINGDOM & IRELAND
The zero tailpipe emission BZL Electric single deck buses will operate across East, South and North Ayrshire, and mark the first customer orders for this new model to be delivered in the UK.
Their arrival follows just 18 months after Stagecoach West Scotland put six Volvo 7900 Electric buses into service at its Kilmarnock depot. With many commonalities between the two models, these initial vehicles allowed it to gain direct experience and ensure full confidence in Volvo’s electric bus offering, before placing the BZL Electric order
Commenting on the deliveries, Sam Greer, Regional Director Scotland, says: “We are excited to be expanding our fleet of electric buses in Ayrshire. These 25 Volvos will form a core part of our new fleet, helping us to improve air quality locally, whilst also delivering a better customer experience and supporting the country's net zero strategy.”
The Volvo Buses team carried out a detailed consultation with Stagecoach West Scotland leading up to the order, analysing route lengths and calculating real-world energy use with allowances for traffic and weather factored in, to ensure the suitability and correct specification of the BZL Electric buses.
Domenico Bondi, Managing Director of Volvo Bus UK & Ireland, says: “This has been a fantastic project to work on with Stagecoach West Scotland. We both share the same goal of delivering clean, quiet, reliable and energy efficient public transport, and the new Volvo BZL Electric buses are perfectly suited for this mission.
It’s a product which has been developed based on proven and successful technologies already implemented in Europe, and now being delivered into service in the UK backed by the strength of our global systems and nationwide dealer network.”
The Volvo BZL Electric buses provide an ultra-quiet and comfortable experience for passengers, with zero emission and near-silent journeys. Drivers will also benefit from a calm and quiet workspace, which reduces stress and improves comfort. Plus, residents and business along the route benefiting from cleaner air and reduced noise level.
Volvo Buses has worked in close partnership with MCV Bus and Coach to develop the bodywork for the new BZL Electric range, tailoring it specifically for UK fleets. It is offered in both single deck and double deck variants, with vehicle lengths from 9.7m to 12.9m, and with a low-entry or full low floor option available, together with models featuring either single or twin door configurations.
Stagecoach West Scotland’s new Volvos will be supported in service by local dealer Volvo Truck and Bus Centre North & Scotland, from their site in Cardonald. The Cardonald team will handle any warranty work and supply Genuine Volvo Parts directly to Stagecoach West Scotland’s internal workshop. Volvo Truck and Bus Centre Cardonald is fully equipped for working on battery electric vehicles with on-site charging facilities available if needed.
As part of Volvo Group, Volvo Buses brings a wealth of experience in electromobility. In addition to the manufacture of electric buses, the Group is investing heavily in zero tailpipe emission technologies for all segments, including trucks, construction equipment, marine and industrial power units.
For more information, please contact: Andy Kunze, Volvo Buses UK & Ireland, Mobile +447831 268659, e-mail andy.kunze@volvo.com