Volvo Buses has announced the launch of the Volvo 8900 Electric, an electric low-entry bus designed for city, intercity, and commuter operations. Slated for availability in selected European markets by 2025, this latest addition to Volvo’s fleet promises to usher in a new age of efficient, sustainable, and profitable transit solutions.
With a successful track record that spans over a decade, Volvo Buses wants to cement its reputation in the electric bus market with the low-floor electric buses are a common sight in 25 countries, showcasing the brand’s commitment to green transportation. The Volvo 8900 Electric builds on the legacy of its predecessor, the Volvo 8900, which has been a stalwart in European public transport since its introduction in 2010.
Thomas Nylund, Head of Volvo Buses Europe, emphasized the strategic move towards electrification, stating, “It’s logical to include electrified solutions for intercity, transit, and commuter operations. The 8900 Electric is a dedicated European offer and another major step in our efforts to provide efficient and sustainable people transport solutions.”
Designed to meet diverse operational needs, the Volvo 8900 Electric will be available in both two- and three-axle configurations, capable of accommodating up to 110 passengers. Operators can choose between single or dual motor setups, offering up to 400kW (540 hp) of traction power. The flexibility of its modular battery system, scalable up to 540 kWh, ensures the bus is well-suited for a wide range of city and intercity applications.
Nylund further highlighted Volvo’s extensive experience in electromobility, “In Europe, electromobility continues to grow, and at Volvo Buses, we have gathered more than a decade of first-hand experience. With the launch of the Volvo 8900 Electric, we’re convinced that we now have a product and a complete offer that will be a long-term solution for customers.”
According to the Swedish firm, the Volvo 8900 Electric doesn’t just excel in performance and sustainability; it also sets new standards in driver comfort and safety. Features such as a multi-function steering wheel and a dynamic instrument cluster are designed to enhance driver focus and control, reinforcing Volvo’s belief that “safety and passenger satisfaction start with the driver.”
Built on the new Volvo BZR Electric chassis, which leverages a common e-mobility architecture within the Volvo Group, the bus benefits from large-scale manufacturing of components. This strategy not only improves the availability of spare parts but also boosts operator uptime. The bus’s body will be produced by MCV, a selected partner known for its commitment to quality.
Nylund assured, “The Volvo 8900 Electric is a premium product that customers have asked for. It’s capable of operating different types of traffic and catering to most needs an operator might have.”
In line with Volvo Buses’ tradition of prioritizing safety, the Volvo 8900 Electric incorporates an array of active safety systems, including advanced features designed to protect vulnerable road users like cyclists and pedestrians. Its safety systems surpass the new EU regulations and most national requirements outside the EU, setting a new benchmark for road safety, claims Volvo Buses.
SPEFICIATIONS
Model: Volvo 8900 Electric 15m
Capacity: 110 PAX
Power: Up to 540kWh
Length: 14,896 mm
Permitted GVW: 27t
