Scottish bus operator Lothian has made a substantial move towards a greener future with the announcement of a £24 million investment in 50 new Volvo BZL Electric double-decker buses, each boasting MCV bodywork. These environmentally friendly vehicles are set to grace the streets of Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh, with the first batch scheduled to hit the roads in early spring 2024.
Lothian’s commitment to this significant fleet upgrade is aligned with its recently unveiled “Driving towards Net Zero” environmental strategy, which underscores the company’s dedication to ongoing investments in zero tailpipe emission buses and related infrastructure over the coming decade.
The 50 Volvo BZL Electric double-deck buses are poised to offer passengers enhanced comfort and a quieter commuting experience. With a capacity to accommodate over 70 passengers each, these buses come equipped with modern amenities such as Wi-Fi, high back seats, and convenient USB charging points.
In addition to improving the passenger experience, Lothian has also prioritized the well-being of its drivers. The buses provide a tranquil and quiet workspace, reducing driver stress. Furthermore, they feature a camera-based mirror system designed to enhance visibility under all weather conditions.
These new additions to the fleet will be powered by Volvo’s pure electric driveline, consisting of a 200kW electric motor paired with a two-stage automated gearbox. Each vehicle is equipped with five lithium-ion batteries, providing a maximum of 470kWh of onboard energy storage. According to the manufacturer’s claims, this configuration offers a range of up to 300 kilometers, depending on operational conditions.
Charging will take place overnight at new charging stations being installed at Lothian’s Annandale Street garage, with a full charge requiring just 3-4 hours.
Sarah Boyd, Managing Director of Lothian, expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “We are delighted to be working with Volvo Buses to introduce a fleet of 50 zero-emission double-deckers to our fleet. 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. These buses are not only fitted with the latest zero tailpipe emission drivelines; they also offer an enhanced customer experience for the millions of passengers who choose to travel with us every week.”
Domenico Bondi, Managing Director of Volvo Bus UK & Ireland, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Lothian put our BZL Electric demonstrator through its paces for more than four months, and it performed fantastically. Feedback was universally positive—from drivers, passengers, and Lothian management. Plus, the vehicle’s range was more than sufficient for a full day’s operation in Edinburgh, proven on even the coldest of winter days. It is a huge privilege to secure this landmark electric bus order from Lothian, and we are confident the BZL Electric will play a pivotal role in supporting our customers’ ambitious net-zero strategy, which resonates strongly with Volvo’s own ambition to create zero-emission cities. We look forward to continuing our partnership and working closely with Lothian to achieve our common goal of a greener, more sustainable tomorrow.”
