Go-Ahead London has placed a first order for Volvo BZL battery-electric buses in 25 single-deck examples with the customary MCV bodywork. They will be 9.7m long with 376kWh of energy capacity.
The deal follows orders for the BZL in single- and double-deck form from other operators in the capital including Arriva, Metroline and Stagecoach. They continue a long-established relationship between Go-Ahead London and the vehicle manufacturer.
Charging will be via 150kW DC depot units via a CCS2 connection. Go-Ahead Bus CEO Matt Carney notes that Volvo vehicles “have been a staple of the Go-Ahead fleet in London for decades, and we are excited to be introducing our first BZL electrics into the capital.”
He continues: “They will 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 Bus UK and Ireland Managing Director Domenico Bondi adds that securing the Go-Ahead London order for the BZL “is another significant vote of confidence in our zero-tailpipe emission range and the huge investment we have made in aftersales here in the UK to support them.”
The BZLs will be backed by a specialist bus field team within the local Volvo Truck and Bus Centre South and East. That includes mobile technicians.
Adds Mr Bondi: “The breadth of options we can offer when it comes to vehicle lengths, energy storage and charging flexibility means that customers do not have to compromise. The BZL electric is a proven product, being built for cities around the world, and with that comes access to maximum customer choice.”
