Goiânia has taken a major leap toward sustainable urban mobility by launching the world’s first fleet of electric bi-articulated buses in regular passenger service. The milestone initiative strengthens the city’s position as a global leader in clean, high-capacity public transportation.
The project, unveiled under the city’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, includes the deployment of 21 new electric buses—16 articulated and five bi-articulated—built on Volvo Buses’ BZRT electric chassis with bodies supplied by Marcopolo. Alongside the fleet, the city also inaugurated the Eletroposto Oeste, a high-capacity charging hub designed to support large-scale electric bus operations.
Calling the launch a “transformational moment for high-capacity urban transport,” Andre Marques, Vice President of Volvo Buses Latin America, said the initiative demonstrates the impact of strong partnerships and a shared commitment to sustainable mobility. He noted that introducing the world’s first electric bi-articulated bus fleet into daily operation sets a new benchmark for modern public transport systems worldwide.
Located at the METROBUS S.A. depot, the new charging infrastructure features 23 fast chargers, each rated at 240 kW, capable of charging up to 46 buses simultaneously. The facility is expected to ensure high reliability and operational efficiency for Goiânia’s expanding electric BRT network.
The electric bi-articulated buses measure 28 metres in length and can carry up to 250 passengers, while the articulated versions are 21 metres long with a capacity of up to 180 passengers. Powered by two 200-kW electric motors delivering a combined output of 400 kW (540 hp), the buses are equipped with up to eight batteries providing a total energy capacity of 720 kWh.
Volvo’s design places motors centrally under the floor to optimise weight distribution and vehicle stability, while floor-mounted batteries allow for a fully unobstructed passenger saloon. The buses also feature advanced safety and driver-assistance systems, including camera-based visibility support, blind-spot sensors, and traffic sign recognition technology.
Goiânia’s public transport operator RMTC, in collaboration with partners such as HP Mobilidade, GreenMob Capital, Suécia Veículos and Volvo Financial Services, played a key role in bringing the project to life. According to Volvo Buses, the initiative builds on a long-standing partnership with the city that began with the introduction of bi-articulated buses in 2005.
“With this fully electric fleet, we are accelerating the shift to zero-emission transport,” Marques added. “These vehicles will improve everyday life for thousands of passengers while contributing to a more sustainable future for the region.”
With upgraded BRT corridors, advanced charging infrastructure and a pioneering electric fleet, Goiânia is now being recognised as a global reference point for sustainable, high-capacity urban mobility.
