Volvo Buses has unveiled its latest offering in the electric bus segment: the 8900 Electric intercity bus, set to hit the European market in 2025. This new model is built on Volvo’s innovative BZR Electric platform, which boasts an impressive array of technical features designed to cater to the diverse needs of urban, intercity, and commuter transport.
The 8900 Electric is available in two lengths, 12.3 and 14.9 meters, accommodating 88 and 110 passengers, respectively. The flexibility in seating arrangements allows for optimal passenger comfort and capacity, with the shorter variant offering 43 seats and the longer version providing 57 seats. The bus can be equipped with four to six battery packs, each with a capacity of 90 kWh, resulting in a maximum total energy content of 540 kWh. This modular battery design enables operators to tailor the energy storage to their specific route requirements.
Volvo offers two electric drive options for the 8900 Electric: a single-motor version with 200 kW output and a dual-motor version with an impressive 400 kW. This powertrain versatility ensures that the bus can tackle various terrains and operating conditions with ease. The charging port can be conveniently located on either the left or right side of the vehicle, allowing for seamless integration into existing charging infrastructure.
The 8900 Electric is the first model to be built on Volvo’s cutting-edge BZR Electric platform, which is the result of a collaborative effort within the Volvo Group. This platform supports vehicles ranging from 9.5 to 14.9 meters in length and can accommodate a maximum nominal battery capacity of 540 kWh. The BZR Electric platform is designed to be a productivity powerhouse, catering to city, intercity, and commuter operations with its low-entry or medium floor configurations, single or dual motors, modular energy storage, and two- or three-axle versions.
One of the standout features of the BZR Electric platform is its charging capabilities. Buses built on this platform can be charged via cable with up to 250 kW DC or optionally via OppCharge with a maximum of 450 kW. This flexibility in charging options ensures that operators can optimize their charging strategies based on their specific operational requirements.
Volvo Buses has partnered with Manufacturing Commercial Vehicles (MCV) for the production of the 8900 Electric’s body. This strategic collaboration allows Volvo to focus on manufacturing the chassis and electric drives in its Swedish plants, while MCV will produce the bodies under license from mid-2024. The partnership with MCV is not exclusive, and Volvo is exploring additional partnerships with other manufacturers to further expand its electric bus offerings.
The introduction of the Volvo 8900 Electric and the BZR Electric platform marks a significant milestone in Volvo Buses’ commitment to sustainable public transportation. With its modular design, cutting-edge technology, and flexible charging options, the 8900 Electric is poised to revolutionize the intercity bus market in Europe. As more cities and transport authorities prioritize the transition to electric vehicles, Volvo Buses is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for efficient, reliable, and environmentally friendly public transport solutions.
