Volvo Buses, in partnership with Gemilang International Ltd, has officially launched the Volvo BZL-GML Eco Range, a new fully-electric premium city bus. This bus marks Volvo’s first locally-built electric low-floor, two-door, premium-class city bus in Malaysia.
A signing ceremony with Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd took place during the launch. Representing Rapid Bus was CEO Muhammad Yazurin Sallij. The trial operation of the Volvo BZL-GML Eco Range is set to begin in July 2024, with the bus operating on Route 581, connecting Desa Tasik to LRT Bandar Tasik Selatan.
Marcus Mak, Country Manager of Volvo Buses Malaysia, emphasised the company’s commitment to sustainable transport solutions. “As a global provider of transport solutions focused on cutting-edge innovations, our ambition is to offer the world’s most responsible and safe electric bus systems. We believe that electromobility is one of the greatest solutions that can power a better future for all.
The introduction of the Volvo BZL-GML Eco Range will contribute to a more sustainable environment through zero-emission whilst playing a key role in strengthening industry networks through increasing understanding of superior electromobility technologies,” he said.
The Volvo BZL-GML Eco Range combines Volvo’s European electromobility expertise with Gemilang’s local manufacturing skills. The bus features an energy-efficient chassis and driveline components developed in Sweden, ensuring high safety and efficiency standards.
This new electric bus supports Malaysia’s plan to increase the adoption of electric buses, particularly in the Klang Valley. It aligns with Rapid Bus’s goal to replace its diesel-powered fleet with electric buses by 2030, contributing to the country’s carbon-neutral aspirations by 2050. The Volvo BZL-GML Eco Range is expected to reduce carbon emissions by up to 60%, equating to approximately 329kg of CO2 per passenger annually for every 15,000km traveled.
Built on the Volvo BZL 4×2 chassis, the bus features a low-floor design for improved accessibility and stability. It can accommodate up to 91 passengers, with a seating capacity of 33 and standing room for 58. The modular body design allows for customization to meet various operational needs, reducing repair costs and downtime.
The bus offers charging flexibility with hardware interfaces for high-power OppCharge and CCS charging sockets. The roof-mounted energy storage optimizes passenger space and weight distribution.
Drivers benefit from an ergonomically designed, mechanically suspended seat, and an instrument cluster for ease of operation. The bus’s powerful driveline, with up to 400 kW (540 hp), ensures smooth acceleration and superior performance on inclines.
Pang Jun Jie, Executive Director of Gemilang International Ltd, highlighted the bus’s alignment with Rapid Bus’s fleet electrification program. “With aluminium body super structure, the Volvo BZL-GML Eco Range possesses outstanding reliability, safety levels and environmental performance that are suited for use as the choice public transportation vehicle in Malaysia.
Gemilang shares the same goal with Volvo in achieving sustainability through electromobility, which is in line with Malaysian government’s initiatives in reducing carbon footprint and promoting green mobilities in the Klang Valley and other major cities.”
Source: businesstoday.com.my
