The first Volvo BZL battery-electric buses for the UK market have been delivered in the form of two out of a batch of 25 10.8m single-deck examples to Stagecoach West Scotland. They join at the same time as two further BYD ADL Enviro200EVs, with the remainder of the BZLs due to arrive in stages over the coming months.
All of the buses will be used in Ayrshire and they follow earlier battery-electric deliveries from each of the primary manufacturers involved.
Volvo says that six previous, opportunity charged 7900e models have many commonalities with the BZL, and that the 7900e procurement allowed Stagecoach West Scotland “to gain direct experience and ensure full confidence in Volvo’s electric bus offering before placing the BZL order.”
Volvo Truck and Bus Centre North and Scotland will support the BZLs from its site in Cardonald. Its team will handle warranty work and supply parts to Stagecoach West Scotland’s own workshop. The dealership is equipped for battery-electric vehicles and it has charging facilities on site.
Speaking about the deliveries, Stagecoach Regional Director Scotland Sam Greer says: “We are excited to be expanding our fleet of electric buses in Ayrshire. These 25 Volvos will form a core part of our new fleet, helping us to improve air quality locally, while also delivering a better customer experience and supporting the country’s net zero strategy.”
Volvo adds that “detailed consultation” was carried out with Stagecoach before the BZL order was placed. That involved analysis of route lengths and calculating energy usage with contingency for traffic and weather factors included.
Volvo Bus UK and Ireland Managing Director Domenico Bondi notes that the BZL range – which utilises bodywork from MCV – has been developed “based on proven and successful technologies already implemented in Europe, and now being delivered into service in the UK backed by the strength of our global systems and nationwide dealer network.”
The two BYD ADL deliveries join 15 existing Enviro200EVs. When new and existing buses are considered, Stagecoach West Scotland now has 48 battery-electric fleet members.
Of the latest buses, Transport Scotland has provided grant funding from the first round of the Scottish Zero Emission Bus challenge fund. The total investment across both Transport Scotland and the operator is £15.7 million.
