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Volvo BZL Electric to feature in the Victorian electric bus trial

Volvo Bus Australia is proud to announce that the Volvo BZL Electric bus chassis has been selected as a product of choice by three operators participating in the Victorian government’s three-year Zero Emissions Bus trial (ZEB).

The Volvo BZL Electric product is set to be rolled out as part of the Victorian government’s $20 million trial program, which will see Volvo customers including Latrobe Valley Bus Lines (LVBL), ComfortDelGro (CDC) and Seymour Coaches adopting this model in their fleets.

LVBL, CDC and Seymour Coaches will introduce one, eight and three Volvo BZL Electric units, respectively, between this year and mid-2025, as part of the Victorian government’s push for a rapid transition to electric technology.

Volvo Bus Australia general manager Mitch Peden said that the bus trial is timely decision to support cleaner and more sustainable transport across Victoria.

“Governments and operators across the country are recognising the inherent benefits of adopting electric technology and we applaud the Victorian state government and the Department of Transport for making the appropriate decision to roll out the Zero Emissions Bus Trial,” he said.

“We are absolutely thrilled that our Volvo BZL Electric will be introduced in various customer fleets as part of this trial and we thank Latrobe Valley Bus Lines, ComfortDelGro and Seymour Coaches for continuing to put their trust in Volvo as they transition to electric technology. Having supported the bus industry in Victoria for over 50 years, our partners see Volvo as a long-term and safe partner that will be around for the complete journey as they transition into new technologies.”

The Latrobe valley, Melbourne and Seymour will see the Volvo chassis utilised on its electric buses.

“These Volvo BZL Electric units will not only have a positive environmental impact through zero tailpipe emissions, but passengers and residents will truly experience a real difference through reduced noise, offering a smooth and quiet ride for passengers and reduced road noise for locals,” Peden said.

The Volvo BZL Electric is backed by years of planning, developing and testing and also offers automated zoning technology such as geofencing and safety zones, making it a quality, safe and reliable product that is ideal for Victoria’s Zero Emissions Bus Trial.

CDC Victoria will operate the Volvo BZL Electric units throughout Melbourne’s CBD and eastern suburbs, while LVBL will operate their unit across the Traralgon area. Seymour Coaches will run these Volvo electric vehicles throughout Seymour, which will be the first regional town to be fully serviced by electric buses as part of the trial.

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