Volvo Buses ad Alexander Dennis are exploring the development of a tram-style electric bus for the UK market, designed to support high-capacity, zero-tailpipe emission rapid transit.
As part of the feasibility study, Volvo Buses has made its BZL Electric articulated chassis available to Alexander Dennis to assess how the platform could be combined with the company’s engineering expertise and UK manufacturing capability through a new body design, the Enviro Max.
By using existing road space and avoiding the need for rails, track beds and overhead line infrastructure, the vehicle could present an attractive and cost-effective option for local authorities looking to enhance public transport capacity and connectivity.
Designed for high-capacity urban and interurban applications, the Volvo BZL Electric articulated chassis has an overall chassis length of 14.7 metres, supporting a complete vehicle length of around 18 metres for the proposed Enviro Max body configuration.
It offers a permitted gross vehicle weight of 30,000 kg and is powered by Volvo’s EPT802 dual-motor driveline, delivering up to 400 kW of output and 850 Nm of torque, through a two-speed automated manual transmission.
Richard Mann, Sales Director at Volvo Bus UK & Ireland, said: “Following the successful introduction of the Volvo BZL Electric articulated chassis in Australia earlier this year, we are now exploring with Alexander Dennis how this proven electric platform could support a tram-inspired product tailored to the UK market.”
Paul Davies, President & Managing Director at Alexander Dennis, said: “This feasibility work gives us an opportunity to consider how our experience in designing and building buses could be combined with Volvo Buses’ electric chassis technology.”
