Volvo Buses has introduced the 8900 Electric intercity bus, set to be available in selected European countries in 2025. The new bus, based on the BZR Electric platform, promises improved performance and flexibility for urban, intercity, and commuter transport.
The Volvo 8900 Electric comes in two lengths, 12.3 or 14.9 meters, and can be equipped with four to six battery packs, each with a capacity of 90 kWh, allowing for a maximum total energy content of 540 kWh. The electric drive is available in either a single-motor version with 200 kW or a dual-motor version with 400 kW.
The 8900 Electric is the first model based on the BZR Electric platform, complementing Volvo’s 7900 Electric city bus. The new platform supports vehicles with lengths ranging from 9.5 to 14.9 meters and a maximum nominal battery capacity of 540 kWh, offering outstanding versatility for various operations.
According to Volvo, the BZR Electric platform supports vehicles up to a gross vehicle weight of 27.2 tonnes, making it suitable for city, intercity, and commuter operations. The platform features a two-stage automated transmission and supports charging via cable with up to 250 kW DC or optionally via OppCharge with a maximum of 450 kW.
Alex Schoch, Head of Flexibility at Volvo Energy, highlighted the customer benefits of the new platform, stating, “We’ve empowered customers to take an active role in the energy system by standardizing the process with National Grid and using cutting-edge technology. This will accelerate the transition to a cheaper and more sustainable future.”
The bodies for the Volvo 8900 Electric will be produced by Manufacturing Commercial Vehicles (MCV) under license from mid-2024. Volvo Buses will continue to manufacture the chassis and electric drives in its Swedish plants in Borås and Uddevalla.
