Volvo Buses Secures Electric Bus Order from Go-Ahead for London Fleet Expansion

Volvo Buses has received its first order for electric buses from British transport company Go-Ahead, marking a significant step in the Swedish manufacturer’s electrification efforts in the UK. Go-Ahead will add 25 Volvo BZL Electric solo buses to its London fleet throughout 2024, replacing older diesel and hybrid models to support the city’s sustainability goals.

The new order builds on Volvo Buses’ longstanding collaboration with Go-Ahead, which previously focused on combustion engine vehicles. The BZL Electric buses, measuring 9.7 meters in length, are relatively compact and will be deployed on London’s streets as part of Go-Ahead’s transition to zero-emission public transport. While Volvo supplies the chassis, the bus bodies will be manufactured by Egyptian firm MCV. Each bus will be equipped with a 376 kWh battery, distributed across four packs, designed primarily for overnight charging at the bus depot.

Go-Ahead, the largest bus operator in London, continues to invest heavily in electrification. CEO Matt Carney expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Volvo Buses have been a staple of the Go-Ahead fleet in London for decades, and we’re excited to be introducing our first BZL Electrics into the capital. They’ll replace a mixture of older diesel and hybrid assets in our fleet, helping to further improve the sustainability of our operation.”

Volvo Buses launched the BZL Electric chassis in 2021, offering flexibility for both single and double-decker configurations. The platform features an electric drivetrain developed entirely by Volvo, providing operators with various body options from different manufacturers.

Go-Ahead has been actively expanding its electric bus fleet with multiple suppliers. At the end of 2024, the company introduced an Irizar ie tram, a bus designed to resemble a tram. Additionally, last October, Wrightbus secured an order from Go-Ahead for 1,200 electric buses, while Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) recently received a follow-up order for another 32 electric buses. With the addition of Volvo BZL Electric buses, Go-Ahead continues to accelerate its transition toward a greener public transport network in London.