Scotland's public transport operator Lothian has announced an order for the purchase of 50 Volvo BZL Electric double deck buses, each with MCV bodywork, for Scotland’s capital city. At an investment of over £24 million, Lothian will introduce these new vehicles in two batches across 2024, with the first vehicles appearing on Edinburgh’s streets in early spring.
The new buses will be powered by Volvo’s pure electric driveline which comprises a 200kW electric motor coupled to a two-stage automated gearbox. Each vehicle has been specified with five lithium-ion batteries giving the maximum 470kW/h of onboard energy storage – offering a range up to 300km depending on operating conditions. They will be charged overnight at new charging stations being installed within the company’s Annandale Street garage. A full charge takes 3-4 hours. The 50 Volvo BZL Electric double decks will offer improved comfort and quieter journeys, each
accommodating over 70 passengers and featuring Wi-Fi, high back seats and USB charging points. The drivers will have a camera-based mirror system. The Volvo chassis are produced in Swedish Borås, shipped to Egypt were MCV builds on the body after which the buses are shipped to Scotland. The delivery of cleaner and greener buses into the fleet is key to Lothian’s ‘Driving towards Net Zero’ environmental strategy. The strategy outlines the company’s plans for ongoing investments in zero tailpipe emission buses and infrastructure across the next decade.