National Express Coventry is operating a Volvo BZL Electric bus on trial over the next few weeks.
The on-loan vehicle will be used on routes 20, 20A and 20B between Coventry city centre, University Hospital and Wilson’s Lane.
The single-decker is added to National Express Coventry‘s 100% battery-electric double-deck fleet, which was made possible via the All-Electric Bus City scheme.
The Volvo BZL features a four-battery configuration with a total power output of up to 376kWh and will be charged overnight at the operator’s depot using a 40kW DC mobile charger which has been provided by the manufacturer.
Antony Goozee, Bus Strategy and Commercial Director for National Express, says: “Buses are the most used form of transport in Coventry and the wider West Midlands. Not only do our services play a key role in keeping people connected, they are also critical to driving down harmful emissions.
“Getting more people to ditch their cars and switch to travelling by bus is vital to tackling climate change and we’re proud to be leading the charge in offering sustainable transport choices in Coventry, with all 140 of our electric double decker buses producing zero-emissions at the tailpipe.
“As we look ahead to update our single-decker vehicles, it’s great to be working with Volvo to trial their BZL Electric bus and we look forward to better understanding its capabilities and efficiencies under our usual operating conditions.”
Domenico Bondi, Managing Director at Volvo Bus UK & Ireland, adds: “I am pleased to see our sought-after Volvo BZL Electric demonstrator entering service with an operator whose legacy spans decades, and which has such a deep-rooted name within the passenger transport sector.
“With Coventry’s plans to become the UK’s first all-electric bus city by 2025, the city’s ambitions tie nicely in with our own.
“We’re proud to be able to improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide a quieter environment for more and more communities in the UK. I look forward to the continued partnership with National Express, helping to meet our collective goals.”
National Express Coventry has previously trialled both Yutong E12 and Mercedes-Benz eCitaro battery-electric single-deckers.
