Volvo has delivered the first batch of BZL battery-electric buses for the UK market. Two out of the 25 10.8m single-deck vehicles were delivered to Stagecoach West Scotland, with the rest set to arrive in stages over the next few months.
The buses will be used in Ayrshire, and they will join two more BYD ADL Enviro200EVs that were also delivered to the operator. The BZL range is based on proven and successful technologies from Europe, with the bodywork provided by MCV.
The buses have many commonalities with the 7900e models, and Stagecoach West Scotland gained direct experience with the electric bus offering before placing the BZL order. The BZL buses will be supported by Volvo Truck and Bus Centre North and Scotland, which is equipped for battery-electric vehicles and has charging facilities on site.
See also: Stagecoach Orders 55 Battery-Electric Buses from Alexander Dennis
The dealership will handle warranty work and supply parts to Stagecoach West Scotland’s workshop. The deliveries form a core part of Stagecoach West Scotland’s new fleet, which now has 48 battery-electric vehicles, including the 15 existing Enviro200EVs.
Transport Scotland provided grant funding from the Scottish Zero Emission Bus challenge fund for the new deliveries. The total investment across both Transport Scotland and the operator is £15.7 million. Before the order was placed, detailed consultation was carried out with Stagecoach to analyse route lengths and calculate energy usage, with contingency for traffic and weather factors included. The deliveries will help Stagecoach to improve air quality locally, deliver a better customer experience, and support the country’s net zero strategy.
