Volvo electric coach is coming: BZR Electric chassis, up to 720 kWh battery capacity
Volvo Buses is introducing the Volvo BZR Electric coach chassis, extending its BZR Electric platform to long-distance and interregional applications. According to Volvo Buses, the chassis can be specified with four to eight modular battery packs, providing an energy storage capacity between 360 and 720 kWh and a driving range of up to 700 km […]
Volvo Buses is introducing the Volvo BZR Electric coach chassis, extending its BZR Electric platform to long-distance and interregional applications. According to Volvo Buses, the chassis can be specified with four to eight modular battery packs, providing an energy storage capacity between 360 and 720 kWh and a driving range of up to 700 km under the SORT 3 test cycle.
As all buses from Volvo following the decision in 2023 to stop producing complete buses for Europe, the Volvo electric coach will be produced in collaboration with bodybuilders partners. The group states that “The first Volvo BZR Electric coach chassis has already been bodied by Carrus Delta and is intended for customers in the Nordic and Benelux markets“. The vehicle “will be available with bodies from different manufacturers depending on market and customer requirements”, the group says.
In mid-September MCV inaugurated in Cairo a new facility dedicated to the production of Volvo e-buses for Europe.
Volvo electric coach, based on a new BZR chassis
The Volvo BZR Electric coach chassis, according to the press release shared today by Volvo Buses, will be available in lengths from 9.5 to 14.9 metres, with 4×2 or 6×2 axle configurations and a permitted GVW of up to 27,200 kg. Power output options is 400 kW (200 on the 2-axles models). Charging can be carried out through 250 kW CCS or 450 kW OppCharge, covering both depot and opportunity charging needs, being this latter a news in the (not so crowded…) electric coach market so far. Others players such as MAN, that has a electric version of the 14-meter Lion’s Coach ready for production in 2026, and Yutong offer coaches with CCS2-standard charging only. The motor is coupled with Volvo 2-speed automated manual transmission.
Just a few days ago Spanish bodybuilder has announced that at Busworld they’ll be presenting an e-coach based on Volvo chassis, that is based on the BZR chassis launched in March 2024 and not on the new platform just announced by the Swedish group.
“Our new electric chassis reaches for more than just extended operating range. It enables new routes and gives operators greater versatility. We are proud to present a solution that makes sustainable travel accessible to more people on more routes,” says Anna Westerberg, President of Volvo Buses. “The Volvo BZR Electric coach chassis shows how electrification can go beyond reducing tailpipe emissions. With responsibly sourced materials and a product built to last, we minimize the life-cycle footprint. And we do this while delivering comfort, efficiency, and the highest safety standards for both everyday commuting and long-distance journeys.”
