Volvo Electric City Bus Debuts In Malaysia
Volvo Buses, a leading global provider of sustainable transport solutions, in collaboration with Malaysia’s own Gemilang International Ltd, has debuted the Volvo BZL-GML Eco Range. This flagship electric low-floor, 2-door premium city bus is Volvo’s first locally-built electric bus in Malaysia. Gemilang is one of the leading manufacturers of bodywork for buses and coaches in Malaysia.
Coinciding with the launch is the signing of an agreement between Volvo Buses and Gemilang with Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd. This agreement will initiate a trial operation of the Volvo BZL-GML Eco Range for the Rapid KL bus service. The trial is set to begin in July 2024 for a period of 6 months to a year with one electric bus servicing Rapid KL’s Route 581 that connects Desa Tasik and LRT Bandar Tasik Selatan.
The Volvo BZL-GML Eco Range integrates Volvo’s advanced electromobility technology with Gemilang’s track record and expertise in bus body manufacturing. The bus chassis and driveline are engineered and developed in Sweden, using premium materials and advanced structural designs for unmatched strength and energy efficiency. This collaboration promises enhanced safety, efficiency, and emission-free urban transport.
The new electric bus aligns with Malaysia’s strategic push towards electrifying public transport, particularly in the Klang Valley. It also supports Rapid Bus’s goal of replacing diesel-powered buses with electric ones by 2030, with the aim to reduce air pollution in the city and contribute to Malaysia’s carbon-neutral aspirations by 2050.
The Volvo BZL-GML Eco Range is expected to significantly cut carbon emissions, by up to 60% or approximately 329 kg of CO2 per passenger annually for every 15,000 km traveled, compared to diesel buses.
Built on the proven Volvo BZL 4×2 chassis, the GML Eco Range is designed for optimal city bus operations. It features a completely flat and low floor for enhanced passenger accessibility and stability. The bus can accommodate up to 91 passengers, with seating for up to 33 in the safety seats, priority seats and foldable seats.
The body concept is modular in design and can be constructed based on customer’s requirements. This modularity in design contributes to lower repair costs, reduced downtime and simplified inventory of spare parts. The bus itself has customisable lengths, from 10.6 meters to 12.5 meters, ensuring flexibility to meet various operational needs.
The Volvo BZL-GML Eco Range is a tested and proven structure in Europe that meets the highest safety standards. With features like advanced braking systems, brake blending, hill start aid, electronic stability control, as well as optional driver assistance technologies like collision warning, e-mirror and a 360-degree camera. The bus’s powerful driveline, delivering up to 400 kW (540 hp), ensures impressive acceleration and uphill capabilities, offering a superior ride experience.
The electric chassis includes a robust multilayer safety system that exceeds European legal requirements, ensuring maximum safety, especially in thermal management and battery security. In the unlikely event of a malfunction, the battery is designed to ‘self-extinguish’ to prevent further issues, a feature that has been thoroughly tested for reliability. The electric bus supports both OppCharge high-power charging and CCS charging, with roof-mounted energy storage for optimised weight distribution and passenger space.
Additionally, it is equipped with a powerful climate control system optimised by the Energy Storage System, and double-glazed windows to ensure a quiet, comfortable, and pleasant ride. Moreover, the driver’s station is designed for ease of use, with an ergonomic and comfortable safety seat and a clear instrument cluster.
“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,” said Marcus Mak, Country Manager of Volvo Buses Malaysia.
Pang Jun Jie, Executive Director, Gemilang International Ltd shared, “The introduction of the all-new Volvo BZL-GML Eco Range today is very timely given domestically, Rapid Bus is set to expand its fleet of electric buses as part of its fleet electrification programme. 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.”
The Volvo BZL-GML Eco Range marks a significant milestone in Malaysia’s journey towards sustainable urban transportation, and promises a cleaner, more efficient, and comfortable commuting experience for both passengers and drivers.
