| Volvo BZR | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Volvo Buses |
| Production | 2024– |
| Assembly | Borås, Sweden |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Electric bus |
| Doors | 1, 2 or 3 |
| Floor type | Step entrance Low entry |
| Related | Volvo BZL |
| Powertrain | |
| Power output | 200-400 kW |
| Transmission | Volvo I-Shift 2-speed AMT |
| Battery | Up to 540 kWh 600V lithium iron phosphate |
| Plug-in charging | 450 kW (OppCharge roof charging) 250 kW CCS |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 4.0 metres (13.1 ft) [1] |
| Length |
|
| Width | 2.5 metres (8.2 ft) |
| Curb weight | 20,800–27,200 kilograms (45,900–60,000 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Volvo B8R Volvo B8RLE |
The Volvo BZR (also known as BZRLE for low-entry model) is a full-size step entrance and low entry battery electric bus chassis manufactured by Volvo since 2024.
The BZR range was launched in March 2024 as a development of the Volvo BZL low-floor city bus chassis. Offered in two and three-axle configurations, the BZR chassis range is marketed for use on both bus rapid transit services requiring high passenger-carrying capacity, as well as intercity bus and coach services. The chassis range uses the same 200 kW motor used in both the BZL and 7900e buses, with an option for an additional motor to be added to extend power output to 400 kW, and it also uses the same 600V lithium iron phosphate used in electric models of the Volvo FH truck. [2]
Production of the BZR is set to commence in 2025, with the first body confirmed to be offered on the chassis being a dual or tri-axle Volvo 8900 manufactured by MCV Bus and Coach, capable of carrying up to 110 passengers. [3] Among the first customers for the chassis was the City of Cape Town, South Africa, who will take delivery of 30 BZRLEs with bodies manufactured by the Gauteng Bus and Coach Centre for MyCiTi bus rapid transit services. [4]
Articulated versions of the BZR and BZRLE are also in development, as well as a bi-articulated variant of a step-entrance BZR chassis for use in bus rapid transit systems in Latin America, in which it succeeds already discontinued B12MA/B340M chassis. [5]