Go-Ahead London is set to enhance its fleet with the introduction of Volvo BZL Electric buses, marking a significant step towards sustainable urban transportation. These new buses, built to Transport for London (TfL) specifications, will feature the iconic red livery that has defined London’s buses since the 1930s.
Cutting-Edge Electric Technology
Measuring 9.7 meters in length, the new BZL Electric buses will provide exceptional manoeuvrability on London’s busy streets. Each MCV-bodied vehicle will be equipped with four traction batteries, allowing for a maximum energy storage capacity of 376kWh. Additionally, regenerative braking technology will help to replenish the battery with free and clean energy while the bus is in motion.
Charging will primarily take place overnight at Go-Ahead’s bus depots, utilizing CCS 2 cables and a network of 150kW DC chargers to ensure the vehicles are fully powered for the next day’s operations.
A Sustainable Step for Go-Ahead London
Matt Carney, CEO of Go-Ahead Bus, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with Volvo, stating:
“Volvo Buses have been a staple of the Go-Ahead fleet in London for decades, and we’re excited to be introducing our first BZL Electrics into the capital. They’ll replace a mixture of older diesel and hybrid assets in our fleet, helping to further improve the sustainability of our operation.
“Placing this order with Volvo directly supports our customer-first culture, known internally as the ‘Go-Ahead Way’. Through this, we pride ourselves in selecting superior vehicles and collaborating with trusted partners to innovate and invest in the services we deliver.”
Volvo’s Commitment to Zero-Emission Transport
Domenico Bondi, Managing Director of Volvo Bus UK & Ireland, highlighted the importance of this milestone, saying:
“Securing our first Volvo BZL Electric order from Go-Ahead is another significant vote of confidence in our zero tailpipe emission range and the huge investment we’ve made in the aftersales support here in the UK to support them.”
Volvo Buses, traditionally known for its longer bus models, is rapidly gaining recognition for the BZL Electric’s flexibility, offering single-deck buses ranging from 9m to 12.9m. The adaptability in vehicle lengths, energy storage, and charging flexibility ensures that operators do not have to compromise when transitioning to electric vehicles.
Manufactured with Sustainability in Mind
The Volvo BZL Electrics will be manufactured at Volvo Buses’ chassis plant in Borås, Sweden. This facility was the first global bus chassis plant to be powered entirely by renewable energy and is certified as a zero-waste-to-landfill manufacturing site.
Upon arrival in London, the new electric buses will receive specialized support from the Bus Field Service team within the local Volvo Truck and Bus Centre South & East. This team, consisting of operations controllers, coordinators, and frontline mobile technicians, will provide dedicated aftersales support to ensure smooth operations across the region.
A Greener Future for London’s Public Transport
With the addition of the Volvo BZL Electric to its fleet, Go-Ahead London reinforces its commitment to sustainable public transport. As the city continues to push forward with green initiatives, the transition to zero-emission vehicles marks a crucial step in reducing environmental impact and improving air quality for Londoners.
