Volvo has announced the launch of a coach variant of its electric BZR chassis, which it says offers an industry-leading battery capacity with up to 700km of range.
At lengths between 9.5 to 14.9 metres, the BZR coach platform will be available with two or three axles and “four to eight modular energy storage units” allowing it to be optimised to a range of distances, according to Volvo. Power output is either 200kW or 400kW. Charging solutions include 250kw CCS charging and 450 kW with OppCharge.
The launch means Volvo Buses now offers an electromobility solution for every segment of coach and bus operation from city to intercity, touring and chartering. The chassis will be offered through a number of bodybuilders depending on the market and customer requirements with the first being bodied by Carrus Delta for the Nordic and Benelux markets.
“Our new electric chassis reaches for more than just extended operating range. It enables new routes and gives operators greater versatility,” says Volvo Buses President Anna Westerberg. “We are proud to present a solution that makes sustainable travel accessible to more people on more routes. The Volvo BZR Electric coach chassis shows how electrification can go beyond reducing tailpipe emissions. With responsibly sourced materials and a product built to last, we minimize the life-cycle footprint. And we do this while delivering comfort, efficiency, and the highest safety standards for both everyday commuting and long-distance journeys.”
The BZR chassis is also equipped with the latest versions of Volvo Buses’ active safety systems, including collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control. Says Dan Pettersson, Senior Vice President at Volvo Buses: “Together with operators, we are making travel safer, more comfortable, and sustainable than ever before.”
