Volvo Bus has announced that its Volvo BZL Electric chassis has been selected as a ‘product of choice’ by three operators participating in the Victorian Government’s three-year Zero Emissions Bus trial.
According to Volvo the BZL Electric product is set to be rolled out as part of the Victorian $20 million trial program, which will include Latrobe Valley Bus Lines (LVBL), ComfortDelGro (CDC) and Seymour Coaches adopting the BZL for their fleets during the trial.
Volvo says that LVBL, CDC and Seymour Coaches will respectively introduce one, eight and three Volvo BZL Electric units between this year and mid-2025, as part of the Victorian Government push for a rapid transition to electric technology.
Volvo Bus Australia general manager, Mitch Peden, said that the bus trial is timely decision to support cleaner and more sustainable transport across Victoria.
“Governments and operators across the country are recognising the inherent benefits of adopting electric technology and we applaud the Victorian State Government and the Department of Transport for making the appropriate decision to roll out the Zero Emissions Bus Trial,” he said.
“We are absolutely thrilled that our Volvo BZL Electric will be introduced in various customer fleets as part of this trial and we thank Latrobe Valley Bus Lines, ComfortDelGro and Seymour Coaches for continuing to put their trust in Volvo as they transition to electric technology. Having supported the bus industry in Victoria for over 50 years, our partners see Volvo as a long-term and safe partner that will be around for the complete journey as they transition into new technologies.”
“These Volvo BZL Electric units will not only have a positive environmental impact through zero tailpipe emissions, but passengers and residents will truly experience a real difference through reduced noise, offering a smooth and quiet ride for passengers and reduced road noise for locals.”
Volvo said that the BZL Electric is backed by years of planning, developing and testing and has automated zoning technology such as geofencing and safety zones, which it says makes it ideal for Victoria’s Zero Emissions Bus Trial.
CDC Victoria will operate the Volvo BZL Electric units throughout Melbourne’s CBD and eastern suburbs, while LVBL will operate their unit across the Traralgon area. Seymour Coaches will run these Volvo electric vehicles throughout Seymour, which will be the first regional town to be fully serviced by electric buses as part of the trial.
