UK, National Express is trialling a Volvo BZL Electric in Coventry

National Express Coventry is trialling a fully electric Volvo bus on the city’s roads over the coming weeks. The city is set to become the first all-electric bus city in UK.

The single deck Volvo BZL Electric demonstrator can carry up to 75 passengers and is currently on loan to National Express Coventry, where it is operating on the 20, 20A and 20B services between Coventry city centre, University Hospital and Wilson’s Lane, the operator states.

National Express tests a Volvo e-bus in Coventry

The BZL’s driveline (chassis was launched in late 2021) has been fine-tuned to provide very low interior noise and for increased comfort of everyone on board, the vehicle features air conditioning, heating and seatback USB chargers, National Express points out.

The single deck Volvo BZL Electric demonstrator features a four-battery configuration offering a total power output of up to 376kWh. It is being charged at the operator’s depot overnight using a 40kW DC mobile charger, provided by Volvo. 

To date, Volvo’s BZL Electric zero tailpipe emission vehicles have been delivered into service in more than 10 countries around the world and are offered in the UK exclusively with MCV bodywork.

Antony Goozee, Bus Strategy and Commercial Director for National Express, said: “Buses are the most used form of transport in Coventry and the wider West Midlands. Not only do our services play a key role in keeping people connected, they are also critical to driving down harmful emissions. Getting more people to ditch their cars and switch to travelling by bus is vital to tackling climate change and we’re proud to be leading the charge in offering sustainable transport choices in Coventry, with all 140 of our electric double decker buses producing zero-emissions at the tailpipe. As we look ahead to update our single decker vehicles, it’s great to be working with Volvo to trial their BZL Electric bus and we look forward to better understanding its capabilities and efficiencies under our usual operating conditions.”

Domenico Bondi, Managing Director at Volvo Bus UK & Ireland, said: “I am pleased to see our sought-after Volvo BZL Electric demonstrator entering service with an operator whose legacy spans decades, and which has such a deep-rooted name within the passenger transport sector. With Coventry’s plans to become the UK’s first all-electric bus city by 2025, the city’s ambitions tie nicely in with our own. We’re proud to be able to improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide a quieter environment for more and more communities in the UK. I look forward to the continued partnership with National Express, helping to meet our collective goals.”