Volvo launches electric intercity bus on modular BZR platform

Volvo Buses, the sister brand of Volvo Trucks, launched the new Volvo 8900 Electric intercity bus, the successor to the 8900, in 2010. This electric-only bus is built on the brand-new modular BZR platform, allowing more shared parts to be used, which cuts costs and increases spare parts availability.

Volvo Buses’ new BZR Electric platform is a modular architecture for low-floor electric buses, from city and intercity to commuter products. It accommodates 9.5 to 15 meters long, a maximum weight of 27,000 kg, up to 540 kWh of batteries, and up to 400 kW (544 hp) of traction power. Later, adapted platform versions will also allow metro buses and coaches to be built.

8900 Electric for intercity use

The first product unveiled on this BZR platform is the Volvo 8900 Electric, the successor to the diesel-powered Volvo 8900, widely used in Europe. It’s a low-floor intercity bus available in two lengths (12.3 or 14.9 meters) and with a capacity of up to 110 passengers (57 seats) or 88 passengers for the shorter version (43 seats).

The 8900 Electric maxes out the BZR platform with a battery capacity of up to 540 kWh (450 kWh for the short version) and a 400 kW (544 hp) motor. Volvo Buses does not give range figures. Two- or three-axle configurations are available, while a suite of active safety systems comes as standard, including a collision warning system that detects pedestrians and cyclists.

Built by MCV

The Volvo Buses 8900 Electric will launch in 2025. The bodies will be produced by the Egyptian company MCV (Manufacturing Commercial Vehicles), which has a UK-based factory and will build all of Volvo’s European city and intercity buses.