Volvo Buses, part of the Volvo Group (“Volvo”) , together with Gemilang International Ltd (“Gemilang”), one of Malaysia’s homegrown leading manufacturers of bodywork for buses and coaches, jointly launched the all-new, flagship Volvo BZL-GML Eco Range, offering Volvo’s first and locally-built electric low-floor, two-door, premium class, city bus in Malaysia.
Rapid and Volvo Partner for Electric Bus Trial
During the launch, a signing ceremony with Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd (“Rapid Bus”) was held to confirm the implementation of a trial operation involving the Volvo BZL-GML Eco Range for Rapid KL bus service.
The electric bus represents the combination of European experience through Volvo’s electromobility innovations and local expertise in Gemilang’s accomplished track record on electric bus body to deliver a new level of safety, efficiency and emission-free city transport solutions. The energy-efficient chassis and driveline components of the Volvo BZL are engineered and developed in accordance with the strictest standards in Volvo’s manufacturing plant in Sweden using premium materials and advanced structural design for unmatched strength and optimum energy storage capacity.
The offering of the all-new Volvo BZL-GML Eco Range as the new zero-emission public transport solution dovetails with Malaysia’s plan for a massive shift towards increasing the adoption rate of electric buses plying major cities, starting with the Klang Valley. It supports Rapid Bus’ fleet electrification plan to replace the company’s current diesel-powered buses with electric buses by 2030 with the aim to decarbonize the public transport sector over time and to reduce city air pollution. Additionally, to lend an overall support to the Government’s efforts in making Malaysia a carbon-neutral nation by 2050.
The Volvo BZL-GML Eco Range provides a viable solution as a greener way for people to travel and is expected to reduce carbon emissions by up to 60 per cent or approximately 329kg per passenger per year of carbon dioxide for every 15,000km when comparing an electric bus to that of a diesel bus’s similar journey.
Built on the Volvo BZL 4×2 chassis variant, which is renowned for its globally proven electric driveline, the locally-built GML Eco Range is designed for efficient city bus operations and features a low and completely flat floor from front to back, giving greater accessibility and stability to passengers. The body concept is modular in design thus it can be constructed based on customer’s requirements. This modularity in design contributes to lower repair costs, reduced downtime and simplified stockkeeping of spare parts.
It can hold a capacity of up to 91 passengers, with 33 seating capacity comprising safety seats, priority seats and foldable seats, and 58 standees depending on the selection of body length. The body can be customized for length ranging from 10.6 to 12.5 meters.
The powerful driveline with up to 400 kW (540 hp) makes the acceleration and uphill capabilities of the Volvo BZL-GML Eco Range effortless, as it already delivers impressive torque from a standstill. The Volvo BZL-GML Eco Range electric city bus is set to change the future of urban commute by delivering a truly differentiated ride experience for both driver and passengers in Malaysia.
