Guadalajara is set to expand its electric public transport network with the deployment of 53 locally manufactured Volvo electric buses from late 2025, as the state of Jalisco advances its shift toward zero-emission mobility ahead of next year’s World Cup. The order supports a broader strategy to modernise the region’s urban transport system with cleaner, quieter and more efficient vehicles.
The new fleet consists of 31 Luminus high-floor buses built on the Volvo BZR platform, 12 Luminus low-floor units based on the BZL platform, and 10 articulated Volvo 7800 Electric buses. All models will be produced in Mexico, reinforcing the local supply chain and supporting domestic manufacturing. The first 12 low-floor buses are scheduled to enter service in December 2025, while the remaining units are expected to be deployed by May 2026.
The Luminus model, introduced in 2023 specifically for the Mexican market, offers multiple configuration options ranging from 9.7 to 13 metres in length. While Volvo has not disclosed battery specifications for this order, the BZL platform can accommodate up to five 94-kWh NCA battery packs, and the BZR platform can support up to six 90-kWh packs, offering maximum capacities of 470 kWh and 540 kWh respectively. Powertrain options include both single-motor and dual-motor setups, rated at 200 kW or 400 kW.
Designed for high-capacity urban routes, the buses will mainly rely on overnight depot charging, complemented by daytime top-ups via CS2 connectors where necessary. Although the project centres on vehicle supply rather than providing a full charging solution, Volvo will support fleet operations through its national service network.
Preliminary estimates indicate the 53-bus fleet could cut carbon emissions by more than 35 per cent compared with equivalent diesel models, translating to annual savings of over 140 tonnes of CO₂. The rollout is expected to position Guadalajara as one of Mexico’s leading adopters of large-scale electromobility, reflecting Jalisco’s commitment to sustainable public transport development.
