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Image Credit: Go Ahead
Volvo Buses has secured its first-ever electric bus order from Go-Ahead, London’s largest bus service operator. This marks a major milestone in the city's transition to zero-emission transport. The deal will see 25 Volvo BZL Electric single-deck buses join Go-Ahead’s fleet later this year, further cementing the long-standing relationship between the manufacturer and the operator.
Designed to meet Transport for London (TfL) specifications, these new buses will feature the classic red paintwork that has defined London’s transit system since the 1930s. At 9.7 meters in length, they are engineered for optimal maneuverability, making them ideal for navigating London’s dense urban routes. Each bus will be equipped with:
Four traction batteries delivering a maximum energy storage capacity of 376kWh
Regenerative braking technology, capturing and reusing energy to enhance efficiency
Overnight charging capabilities, using CCS 2 cable connections and 150kW DC chargers at the depot
Matt Carney, CEO of Go-Ahead Bus, says: “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 improve the sustainability of our operation further.
“Placing this order with Volvo directly supports our customer-first culture, known internally as the ‘Go-Ahead Way’. Through this, we pride ourselves in selecting superior vehicles and collaborating with trusted partners to innovate and invest in the services we deliver.”
Domenico Bondi, Managing Director of Volvo Bus UK & Ireland, comments: “Securing our first Volvo BZL Electric order from Go-Ahead is another significant vote of confidence in our zero tailpipe emission range and the huge investment we’ve made in the aftersales support here in the UK to support them.”
While Volvo Buses has traditionally been known for its longer intercity buses, BZL Electric provides scalable flexibility, with 9m to 12.9m models—a key selling point for urban transport networks.
Bondi adds: “The breadth of options we can offer when it comes to vehicle lengths, energy storage and charging flexibility means customers don’t have to compromise. The BZL Electric is a proven product, being built for cities around the world, and with that comes access to maximum customer choice.”
The BZL Electric chassis will be manufactured at Volvo’s plant in Borås, Sweden. This facility has been running on 100% renewable energy for five years and is certified as a zero-waste-to-landfill site.
Once operational in London, the new fleet will be backed by Volvo’s specialist Bus Field Service team, operating under Volvo Truck and Bus Centre South & East. This team, consisting of operations controllers, coordinators, and mobile technicians, will provide round-the-clock support, ensuring maximum uptime and efficiency.
As part of the Volvo Group, Volvo Buses operates in over 70 countries and maintains a global service and support network of more than 2,200 locations. Through its commitment to zero-emission transport, the company continues to pioneer solutions in public mobility.