An important step toward Western Australia’s transition to zero-emission public transportation has been reached with the completion of the first Volvo BZL Electric bus out of an initial order of eighteen electric buses. The bus was constructed in Perth, Australia, by Volgren Australia, using an imported Volvo BZL Electric chassis.
The Australian federal government and the state government of Western Australia are collaborating on a $250 million project, which includes this project. Each government will invest AUD$125 million to the deal; the federal government will concentrate on creating infrastructure for charging electric buses, while the state governments will purchase electric buses made in their own country.
The delivery of the 18 buses is scheduled for completion by mid-2025, after which the new vehicles will operate on Perth’s Central Area Transit (CAT) routes.
Mitchell Peden, General Manager of Volvo Bus Australia Said, “The Volvo BZL Electric is an excellent product delivering leading safety, security, and long-term reliability, along with industry-leading Volvo training and product support”.
This comes after a successful trial of four Volvo BZL Electric buses in the Joondalup area, which began in February 2022. The trial buses have collectively transported over 440,000 passengers, covered more than 380,000 kilometers, and saved approximately 350 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.
The Volvo BZL Electric bus boasts zero emissions, advanced safety systems, and an energy-efficient electric drivetrain, positioning it as a key player in the region’s journey toward sustainable public transportation.