Volvo Pushes Electric Coaches into the Long Haul League

Volvo Buses has unveiled a new electric coach chassis that promises to push zero tailpipe emission travel further than ever before. The Volvo BZR Electric for coach applications can carry up to 720 kWh of batteries and, on paper, deliver as much as 700 km of range under the industry’s SORT 3 test cycle. That kind of capacity puts long interregional trips within reach for operators who have until now found electric coaches constrained to short hops and depot shuttles.

Volvo Buses

The BZR Electric coach chassis is offered in two or three axle layouts with between four and eight modular battery packs. Operators can tailor the set up to favour either maximum range or lower weight for shorter journeys. Volvo says the high battery capacity brings improved efficiency, reduced travel times and fewer charging stops – all vital if electric coaches are to compete with diesel on longer routes.

Anna Westerberg, President at Volvo Buses, said:

"Our new electric chassis reaches for more than just extended operating range. It enables new routes and gives operators greater versatility.”

Designed for operators and passengers

The coach version builds on the global BZR Electric platform already used in city and intercity buses. It will accept bodies from different builders depending on market needs, opening the door for everything from scheduled interurban services to luxury tour and charter work. Like Volvo’s other electric products it is equipped with the company’s latest active safety systems to protect passengers and vulnerable road users.

Volvo Buses

Anna Westerberg, President at Volvo Buses, went on to say:

“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 minimise 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.”

Charging flexibility has also been built in. Operators can choose 250 kW CCS depot charging or 450 kW OppCharge opportunity charging, making it easier to integrate the BZR into existing duty cycles.

Dan Pettersson, Senior Vice President at Volvo Buses, said:

“Together with operators, we are making travel safer, more comfortable and sustainable than ever before.”

The first bodied BZR Electric coach has already been delivered by Finnish builder Carrus Delta for customers in the Nordic and Benelux markets.

How Volvo made it possible

Pulling off a 700 km electric coach is not simply a case of stuffing in more batteries. Volvo’s advantage lies in the wider Volvo Group, which provides access to proven heavy duty powertrain technology, large scale battery development and years of experience with high capacity charging. By adapting an existing global chassis platform, Volvo spreads development costs and ensures the new coach benefits from parts and service back up already familiar to operators. The result is a product that promises long range without sacrificing safety, comfort or the economics needed to make zero emission long distance travel a commercial reality.