In a groundbreaking stride toward sustainable urban transport, Volvo Buses has commenced production of its first fully electric bi-articulated bus chassis, the Volvo BZRT, at its manufacturing facility in Curitiba, Brazil. This marks a significant step in the company’s global push for zero-emission public transit.
At 28 meters long and capable of carrying up to 250 passengers, the BZRT is being hailed as a metro-on-wheels, delivering subway-level capacity without the massive infrastructure costs. The all-electric vehicle produces zero CO₂ emissions and emits minimal noise, making it ideal for densely populated urban centers seeking eco-friendly mass transit solutions.
High-Capacity, Zero-Emission Transit for the Future
Equipped with two 200kW electric motors totaling 400kW (540hp), the Volvo BZRT features a two-speed automated transmission based on Volvo’s renowned I-Shift system. The chassis supports up to eight batteries offering a total capacity of 720 kWh, with charging times ranging from 2 to 4 hours depending on the station type.
“The production start in Brazil marks an important step in Volvo Buses’ commitment to offer sustainable people transport solutions,” said André Marques, President of Volvo Buses Latin America. “Customer interest in this high-capacity electric model has been growing steadily since its announcement.”
Safety Meets Sustainability
The BZRT also reflects Volvo’s ‘Zero Accidents’ vision, integrating cutting-edge safety features. These include:
- Camera-based hazard detection systems
- Blind-spot sensors for pedestrian and cyclist protection
- Traffic sign recognition for driver alerts
- Volvo Dynamic Steering (VDS) for increased vehicle stability and reduced driver fatigue
“The Volvo BZRT combines the proven strengths of our globally recognized articulated buses with the latest in electric vehicle technology,” said Alexandre Selski, Director of Electromobility, Volvo Buses Latin America.
With Curitiba now acting as the export hub, the BZRT is expected to play a transformative role in Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems worldwide, providing cities a cost-effective and sustainable solution for high-volume, electric public transportation.
