Lothian Buses has placed an order for 50 new Volvo BZL Electric double deck buses, each with MCV bodywork, for Scotland’s capital city.
In an investment of more than £24million, Lothian will introduce the new vehicles in two batches across 2024, with the first vehicles appearing on Edinburgh’s streets in early spring.
The 50 Volvo BZL Electric double decks will offer improved comfort and quieter journeys, each accommodating over 70 passengers and featuring Wi-Fi, high back seats and USB charging points.
A camera-based mirror system will also improve vision in all conditions.
The new buses will be powered by Volvo’s pure electric driveline which comprises a 200kW electric motor coupled to a two-stage automated gearbox.
Each vehicle has been specified with five lithium-ion batteries giving the maximum 470kW/h of onboard energy storage – offering a range up to 186 miles depending on operating conditions.
This can be extended during operation thanks to a regenerative braking system which enables a proportion of the energy that would otherwise have been lost when the vehicle is decelerating to be recovered as free, clean, energy.
They will be charged overnight at new charging stations being installed within the company’s Annandale Street garage. Once plugged in, a full charge takes three to four hours.
Sarah Boyd, Managing Director of Lothian Buses, said: “Lothian continues to support the Scottish Government and City of Edinburgh Council’s strategies to improve local air quality, and this level of investment ensures that we as a business are playing our part in improving air quality across the city.”
