Luxembourg-based bus operator Demy Schandeler has placed an order for 15 additional Volvo 7900 Electric buses, marking Volvo Buses’ first order for electric buses with bodies from Egyptian partner MCV. Demy Schandeler has been operating ten Volvo 7900 Electric buses since the beginning of 2023 and has now opted for an additional fleet expansion with MCV-bodied electric buses.
Scheduled for delivery in spring 2025, the 12-meter-long electric buses will be equipped with a 470 kWh battery, representing the largest battery version available. Although officially named Volvo 7900 Electric, the buses utilize Volvo’s drive technology while integrating bodies from MCV. The choice of a sizable battery aims to enhance operational flexibility and efficiency for the upcoming electric fleet.
The collaboration between Volvo Buses and MCV was solidified in September through a final agreement for MCV to produce bodies for Volvo’s electric city buses, including the 7900 Electric and 7900 Electric Articulated models, as well as an intercity electric bus in the future. Volvo Buses has shifted away from manufacturing entire buses in Europe, focusing instead on strategic partnerships to meet market demands.
Volvo Buses will maintain its role as the primary contact for customers, providing spare parts and services for buses manufactured in cooperation with MCV. The partnership aims to address the high expectations of European customers in terms of quality and support.
Dan Pettersson, Senior Vice President at Volvo Buses, expressed satisfaction with the inaugural order of Volvo 7900 Electric buses built in collaboration with MCV, highlighting the customer’s confidence in Volvo’s brand and organizational strength in the European market.
Laurent Schandeler, CEO of Demy Schandeler, acknowledged Volvo’s pivotal role in the transition to electromobility within their fleet of around 400 urban buses, coaches, electric buses, and 160 mini-buses. The successful operation of the initial ten Volvo 7900 Electric buses over 800,000 kilometers in eleven months further bolstered confidence in the product, according to Schandeler.
