Metroline has become the first London operator to place an order for the Volvo BZL battery-electric bus. It will put 48 single-deck examples into service in the second half of 2023 at lengths of 9.7m, 10.35m and 10.8m.
All will be overnight charged with no equipment for opportunity replenishment. MCV will body the buses. Volvo has confirmed that while the Metroline order is a first for an operator based in the capital, it already has others in hand for the platform from provincial fleets in both double- and single-deck format.
Announcement of the BZL order by Metroline follows rapidly after the business signed for 39 Wrightbus StreetDeck Electroliner battery-electric double-deckers. Parent company ComfortDelGro (UK) Group Engineering Director Ian Foster says that Metroline is “pleased” to place the BZL order with Volvo.
“We have a longstanding relationship involving all areas of our transport operations around the world, and this reflects the trust we have in Volvo delivering a reliable product with exceptional aftermarket support and service.”
Adds Volvo Buses UK and Ireland Managing Director Domenico Bondi: “We are thrilled to receive this latest order from Metroline. The BZL is very well suited for its operation in London and will help to deliver clean, silent and efficient public transport. In addition, it builds upon our strong business partnership with Metroline and our journey together towards net zero transportation.”
When the BZL was launched in late 2021, the first double-decker demonstrator was completed in Transport for London red with Metroline fleetnames in reflection of the long relationship between the operator and vehicle supplier.
