The first of Volvo’s BZL Electric single decker will operate in West Scotland as UK orders for the new model begin.
The single-deck bus, to enter operation with Stagecoach West Scotland (SWS), has been developed in partnership with MCV Bus and Coach, with the bodywork tailored specifically for UK fleets.
It is offered in both single deck and double deck variants, with vehicle lengths from 9.7m to 12.9m, and with a low-entry or full low floor option available, together with models featuring either single or twin door configurations.
Electric buses provide an ultra-quiet and comfortable experience for passengers, with zero tailpipe emissions and near-silent journeys.
Drivers also benefit from a calm and quiet workspace, reducing stress and improving comfort, with residents and business along the route benefiting from cleaner air and reduced noise level.
Stagecoach West Scotland’s new Volvos will be supported in service by local dealer Volvo Truck and Bus Centre North & Scotland, from their site in Cardonald.
The Cardonald team will handle any warranty work and supply Genuine Volvo Parts directly to Stagecoach West Scotland’s internal workshop.
Volvo Truck and Bus Centre Cardonald is fully equipped for working on battery electric vehicles with on-site charging facilities available if needed.
Domenico Bondi, Managing Director of Volvo Bus UK & Ireland, said: “This has been a fantastic project to work on with Stagecoach West Scotland. We both share the same goal of delivering clean, quiet, reliable and energy efficient public transport, and the new Volvo BZL Electric buses are perfectly suited for this mission.”
SWS’s order comes after the operator, which covers East, South and North Ayrshire, put six Volvo 7900 Electric buses into service at its Kilmarnock depot.
The Volvo Buses team carried out a detailed consultation with Stagecoach West Scotland leading up to the order, analysing route lengths and calculating real-world energy use with allowances for traffic and weather factored in, to ensure the suitability and correct specification of the BZL Electric buses.
Sam Greer, Stagecoach’s Regional Director Scotland, said: “We are excited to be expanding our fleet of electric buses in Ayrshire. These 25 Volvos will form a core part of our new fleet, helping us to improve air quality locally, whilst also delivering a better customer experience and supporting the country’s net zero strategy.”
