Lothian Heavily Invest in Electric Buses
In the spring of 2024, Lothian will welcome a fleet of new electric double-decker buses. On September 20th, Lothian announced a significant order for 50 MCV-bodied Volvo BZL double-deck buses, following a successful trial earlier this year.
With a substantial investment of £24 million, Lothian plans to roll out these new vehicles in two instalments during 2024, with the first batch expected to hit the streets of Edinburgh in early spring. This investment aligns with the company's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions and enhancing air quality in its operational area.
Sarah Boyd, Managing Director of Lothian, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "We are thrilled to partner with Volvo Buses to introduce a fleet of 50 zero-emission double-deckers into our lineup. Lothian remains dedicated to supporting the Scottish Government and the City of Edinburgh Council in their efforts to improve local air quality, and this substantial investment underscores our commitment to enhancing air quality across the city. These buses not only feature cutting-edge zero tailpipe emission drivelines but also provide an improved travel experience for the millions of passengers who choose our services every week."
Domenico Bondi, Managing Director of Volvo Bus UK and Ireland, shared his perspective, saying, "Lothian rigorously tested our BZL Electric demonstrator for over four months, and it performed exceptionally well. Feedback from drivers, passengers, and Lothian management was overwhelmingly positive. Moreover, the vehicle's range comfortably covered a full day's operation in Edinburgh, even during the coldest winter days. Securing this significant electric bus order from Lothian is a tremendous privilege, and we are confident that the BZL Electric will play a pivotal role in supporting our customer's ambitious net-zero strategy, which aligns with Volvo's own commitment to creating zero-emission cities. We eagerly anticipate continuing our partnership and collaborating closely with Lothian to realize our shared vision of a greener and more sustainable future."
These new buses will be equipped with Volvo's electric driveline, featuring a 200kW motor paired with a two-stage automated gearbox. Each vehicle will be equipped with five lithium-ion batteries, providing a maximum of 470kW/h of on-board energy storage and offering a range of up to 300km, depending on operating conditions. Charging will take place overnight at newly installed charging stations at Lothian's Annandale Street garage.