Volvo electric coach features 720 kWh battery pack

Volvo Buses has unveiled its BZR Electric coach chassis featuring one of the largest battery packs available in the commercial vehicle sector, with a maximum capacity of 720 kWh delivering up to 435 miles of range.

The modular battery system uses up to eight individual 90 kWh modules, each weighing 535 kilograms and rated at 600 volts. The smallest configuration uses four modules for a total capacity of 360 kWh, fitted to the 4×2 chassis variant.

The largest battery pack, available on the 6×2 chassis configuration, weighs 4280 kilograms and enables the 700-kilometre range figure, says Volvo Buses.

Motor configurations target different applications

The BZR Electric is available with single or dual-motor configurations. The single-motor version produces 200 kilowatts and 400 Newton-metres of torque at the output shaft, increasing to 20,900 Nm after the two-speed automated transmission.

The dual-motor variant delivers 400 kilowatts and 850 Nm at the motors, translating to 33,500 Nm of torque at the wheels through the transmission system.

Charging options include pantograph system

Two charging methods are available for the BZR Electric. A CCS2 connector supports up to 250 kilowatts of DC fast charging, while the OppCharge system uses a pantograph that connects to a roof-mounted bar and can accept up to 450 kilowatts.

The charging port can be positioned anywhere on the coach body to accommodate different depot layouts, says Volvo Buses.

Safety systems and market availability

The chassis includes Volvo Buses’ driver assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control, collision warning with emergency brake, and side collision avoidance support.

Volvo Buses says the first BZR Electric chassis has been fitted with a body by Carrus Delta and will enter service in Nordic and Benelux markets. The chassis is available in left or right-hand drive configurations depending on market requirements.

The launch follows similar moves by competitors, with MAN’s Lion’s Coach E offering 536 kWh battery capacity and 403 miles of range, while Scania has introduced plug-in hybrid bus and coach chassis for long-distance applications.

Volvo Buses says different bodybuilders will offer completed vehicles based on the BZR Electric chassis platform.