VOLVO’S FIRST ELECTRIC BUSES IN AUSTRALIA DUE MID-2021

[actually]

Go to BCSV.org.au and hit the membership tag. $60 p/a for 420 pages.

Thanks

[1whoknows]

TonyP - Sydney Bus Museum does.

[tonyp]

TonyP - Sydney Bus Museum does.

Thank you.

Edit: Just had a browse through their shop - evidently not. Nor any of the other outlets listed. All roads point to membership!

[1whoknows]

Well its cheaper through membership anyway $50 vs $63.

[tonyp]

The Volvo BZL electric chassis has been formally released today. This is the bus that Volgren is bodying for Perth.

https://www.busaustralia.com/forum/view ... 7#p1082477

[tonyp]

[Zidanehartono]

Some pics from the Perth launch can be seen on the WA photo thread for the BZL in the link below

https://www.busaustralia.com/forum/view ... 5#p1083285

[tonyp]

Some coverage of the BZL platform in the Hungarian bus portal Magyarbusz which I find more informative than some of our local sources that just regurgitate media releases. It's the first time I've seen an explanation as to why Volvo uses a gearbox. The translation below is from Google Translate so I've tidied it up a little.

https://magyarbusz.info/2021/09/29/bemu ... t-a-volvo/

Volvo has introduced its chassis family for electric buses
Author: Patthy GellértDate: September 29, 2021Category: News, Outlook
Print Email

Volvo has pulled the cover off its all-new family of self-propelled chassis for purely electric buses. The platform, called BZL Electric, is also suitable for single-deck and double-deck buses and is intended primarily by the Swedish manufacturer for the markets of Mexico, the United Kingdom and Australia.

In the UK, Volvo has been one of the market leaders in low-floor [as opposed to low-entry] bus chassis for decades, but with the rise of electromobilization, they have been at a disadvantage in the urban segment over the BYD-ADL pair, which has also recently hit the Australian and New Zealand markets. The Swedes, of course, soon recognized the unfavorable trend for them, so as early as 2018 they announced the arrival of their new, purely electric self-propelled chassis, which finally took the form of the low-floor Volvo BZL Electric unveiled on 27 September this year. Volvo also expects the global demand for electromobility solutions to grow rapidly in public transport.

The new technical base is scheduled to be available for bodywork before the end of this year. The members of the BZL chassis family will be offered by Volvo in two versions suitable for the construction of single-decker or double-decker buses, for the time being only in the two-axle solo version. The more variable single-deck version can be up to 11,815 mm long, slightly shorter than the two-deck version running under the name BZL DD Electric with its 10,585 mm length. In addition to the left- or right-hand drive design, Volvo offers a number of additional options for bodybuilders, such as a complete factory dashboard or the dashboard alone if the body prefers to use a custom-designed counter.

Image: Version for single-decker electric buses, left-hand drive

The chassis, delivered in a compact form for single-decker buses, can be fitted with a body length of between 9,500 and 13,000 mm, and the length of the fixed-axle double-deck version can be up to 10,900 mm when pre-assembled. The maximum permissible laden weight of the complete vehicle for both chassis is 19,500 kg, which is the current maximum for two-axle buses, but as the Volvo RFS-L front axle has a load capacity of only 7,500 kg, this is not the case in all countries (thus not in Hungary either). At the rear, the well-known ZF AV 133 portal axle, which is also known from diesel buses, has been used, and Volvo has a load capacity of 12,000 kg - physically more than that, but in Hungary, for example, the load on the bus's driven axle must not exceed 11,500 kg.

Image: The batteries can be mounted on the roof. Based on the pictures, a low floor can be realized even between the rear axles

The vehicle is always moved by a central electric motor with a constant power of 167 kW and a peak power of 200 kW with a maximum torque of only 425 Nm. The torque delivered by the resource is transmitted to the drive axle in the usual way from Volvo's electric buses by a two-speed automated transmission, which increases the torque on the wheels at low speeds, reduces energy consumption by compensating for current peaks and saves engine and batteries. The chassis offered for single-deck models can be ordered in a twin-engine configuration, which is mainly recommended by the manufacturer for mountain use. In this case, a totalizer is even inserted between the motors and the transmission unit.

Image: The version for double-decker buses is already recognizable in this form

BZL Electric chassis are supplied by Volvo with lithium-nickel-cobalt-alumina (NCA) traction batteries with a capacity of 94 kWh per module, operating voltage 600 V. The single-stage version consists of 3, 4 or 5 modules, respectively 282, 376 or It can be selected with a battery pack with a total capacity of 470 kWh, in which case the energy storage devices are placed on the roof. The version for double decker buses is only available in 4 or 5 module versions, with the batteries at the end of the chassis and on the left above the A axis and on the right in front of the B axis. In order to flexibly adapt to the different needs of each operator, several charging methods are available: in addition to the CCS Combo 2 socket solution with a capacity of up to 150 kW, the system can also work with Volvo-favored inverse pantograph OppCharge quick chargers for up to 300 kW.

Image: In this version, the placement of the battery modules had to be solved directly on the chassis

Volvo Buses approaches the environment from several angles at once, so new chassis can be recycled by more than 90% at the end of its life. The factory press release covers a component of a modern electric bus

[tonyp]

https://www.busnews.com.au/product-news ... l-electric

[TP1462]

Courtesy of Saffioti’s FB some new snaps of 4000 in it’s striking new AOA she’ll out on the prowl from February


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[tonyp]

She also says that they will start running at Joondalup in February.

[Enviro 500]

There is already a second unit delivered to Perth, isn't it?

Anyway, love the red livery. It's so striking. Wish it can be used for Perth and Freo too.

[Merc1107]

The article mentions the construction of another bus manufacturing facility in Perth - suggesting perhaps that Volvo & Volgren may not be involved. The present contract with those outfits is meant to be 5yrs + 5yrs extension. Make of that what you will.

Labor promises to make electric buses in Perth, if it wins the federal election
Abby Richard - 30th April 2022

Anthony Albanese has pledged $125 million to manufacture 130 electric buses in Perth if Labor wins the federal election.

The McGowan government will match the $125 million commitment, with the aim of creating 100 new local jobs and transitioning 300 existing jobs to clean energy.

The plan is to deliver a local facility to build the buses.

"A core part of my pitch to the Australian people is making more things here," Mr Albanese said.

"One of the lessons of the pandemic is we have to stand on our own two feet — we're vulnerable if we're at the end of supply chains."

Mr Albanese made the commitment in Perth on Saturday morning, ahead of Labor's campaign launch on Sunday.

It is his first visit to WA in the election campaign and follows a week of COVID-19 isolation.

Clean buses 'the future'
WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti is confident WA has the workforce needed to deliver the project.

"We have some (workers) involved in diesel bus manufacturing at the moment, so it would be about upskilling and new jobs," she said.

"We're very confident about the workforce.

"We see this as an incredible opportunity and we know that the public is very keen for cleaner forms of transport."

The roll-out would require bus depots to be upgraded and new infrastructure such as charging stations to be installed.

"We expect the infrastructure upgrades to be delivered within the next two to three years, the facility built and the buses being manufactured through 2024/25," Ms Saffioti said.

"Clean buses is very much the future."

Ms Saffioti said the plan has been costed by the state government and includes $80 million for the buses, $50 million for the facility and $120 million for the depo (sic) upgrades and required infrastructure.

[Guy_Arab]

BEST OF LUCK WITH THE ELECTRIC BUSES THEIR HISTORY IS NOT GOOD IN CHINA THEY LOST A LOT NOW YESTERDAY PARIS HAD TWO CATCH FIRE IF THE BATTERY GOES FLAT THE COST IS MORE THAN THE BUS TO REPLACE JUST LIKE THE CARS THE BATTERY COST MORE

[TP1462]

BEST OF LUCK WITH THE ELECTRIC BUSES THEIR HISTORY IS NOT GOOD IN CHINA THEY LOST A LOT NOW YESTERDAY PARIS HAD TWO CATCH FIRE IF THE BATTERY GOES FLAT THE COST IS MORE THAN THE BUS TO REPLACE JUST LIKE THE CARS THE BATTERY COST MORE

Ergh it’s really a non issue vehicles catch fire all the time it’s subjective all comes down to maintenance and if we’re going to have that debate let’s not mention the CNG fleet the government spent millions of dollars on rectifying numerous mechanical and design issues also electrical fires aren’t really as dangerous as fire fighters are now better trained to suppress the flames The buses we’re getting are manufactured in Sweden where quality control is much higher than in China as the batteries have more room for expansion


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[TP1462]

PERTH WILL BE SORRY THE LIST OF ELECTRIC BUSES CATCHING FIRE IS GROWING PARIS JUST LOST TWO AND THE HISTORY IN CHINA IS NOT GOOD BEST OF LUCK

I saw a poorly maintained shitbox that was probably 12 months overdue for an oil change catch on fire the other day your point?


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[MotorOmnibus8562]

BEST OF LUCK WITH THE ELECTRIC BUSES THEIR HISTORY IS NOT GOOD IN CHINA THEY LOST A LOT NOW YESTERDAY PARIS HAD TWO CATCH FIRE IF THE BATTERY GOES FLAT THE COST IS MORE THAN THE BUS TO REPLACE JUST LIKE THE CARS THE BATTERY COST MORE

Ergh it’s really a non issue vehicles catch fire all the time it’s subjective all comes down to maintenance and if we’re going to have that debate let’s not mention the CNG fleet the government spent millions of dollars on rectifying numerous mechanical and design issues also electrical fires aren’t really as dangerous as fire fighters are now better trained to suppress the flames The buses we’re getting are manufactured in Sweden where quality control is much higher than in China as the batteries have more room for expansion


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

And even then, if the bus chassis is being exported to Australia then it has to be built to Australian standards.

[TP1462]

The article mentions the construction of another bus manufacturing facility in Perth - suggesting perhaps that Volvo & Volgren may not be involved. The present contract with those outfits is meant to be 5yrs + 5yrs extension. Make of that what you will.

Labor promises to make electric buses in Perth, if it wins the federal election
Abby Richard - 30th April 2022

Anthony Albanese has pledged $125 million to manufacture 130 electric buses in Perth if Labor wins the federal election.

The McGowan government will match the $125 million commitment, with the aim of creating 100 new local jobs and transitioning 300 existing jobs to clean energy.

The plan is to deliver a local facility to build the buses.

"A core part of my pitch to the Australian people is making more things here," Mr Albanese said.

"One of the lessons of the pandemic is we have to stand on our own two feet — we're vulnerable if we're at the end of supply chains."

Mr Albanese made the commitment in Perth on Saturday morning, ahead of Labor's campaign launch on Sunday.

It is his first visit to WA in the election campaign and follows a week of COVID-19 isolation.

Clean buses 'the future'
WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti is confident WA has the workforce needed to deliver the project.

"We have some (workers) involved in diesel bus manufacturing at the moment, so it would be about upskilling and new jobs," she said.

"We're very confident about the workforce.

"We see this as an incredible opportunity and we know that the public is very keen for cleaner forms of transport."

The roll-out would require bus depots to be upgraded and new infrastructure such as charging stations to be installed.

"We expect the infrastructure upgrades to be delivered within the next two to three years, the facility built and the buses being manufactured through 2024/25," Ms Saffioti said.

"Clean buses is very much the future."

Ms Saffioti said the plan has been costed by the state government and includes $80 million for the buses, $50 million for the facility and $120 million for the depo (sic) upgrades and required infrastructure.

I think it would be a second factory that specifically specialises in assembly and tooling for the BZL and potentially an artic equivalent rather than within the existing assembly line as the BZL probably would take longer to build due to more complex wiring and tooling also Volgren is a protected species here so they would definitely be involved


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[tonyp]

The article mentions the construction of another bus manufacturing facility in Perth - suggesting perhaps that Volvo & Volgren may not be involved. The present contract with those outfits is meant to be 5yrs + 5yrs extension. Make of that what you will.

I read it as an announcement of something that was already going to happen anyway - that after the first few buses from Volgren Melbourne, futher BZLs for Perth will be manufactured by Volgren Perth. Just dressed up by the state government to make it look like an Albanese government would be doing something new.

[Enviro 500]

The article mentions the construction of another bus manufacturing facility in Perth - suggesting perhaps that Volvo & Volgren may not be involved. The present contract with those outfits is meant to be 5yrs + 5yrs extension. Make of that what you will.

I read it as an announcement of something that was already going to happen anyway - that after the first few buses from Volgren Melbourne, futher BZLs for Perth will be manufactured by Volgren Perth. Just dressed up by the state government to make it look like an Albanese government would be doing something new.

I remember seeing a clip from Channel 7 regarding electric buses being built in Melbourne. It showed an Optimus-bodied vehicle being driven in the suburbs as well as the driver's cab. However, I couldn't see what emblem was on the steering wheel.

[TP1462]

The article mentions the construction of another bus manufacturing facility in Perth - suggesting perhaps that Volvo & Volgren may not be involved. The present contract with those outfits is meant to be 5yrs + 5yrs extension. Make of that what you will.

I read it as an announcement of something that was already going to happen anyway - that after the first few buses from Volgren Melbourne, futher BZLs for Perth will be manufactured by Volgren Perth. Just dressed up by the state government to make it look like an Albanese government would be doing something new.

My guess too perhaps the current assembly line is too busy with the current fleet to add another model of bus and most likely would require a specific type of tooling as well that’s slightly different to the B8RLE & artic fleets hence why another assembly factory is required also perhaps the BZL takes longer to assemble than a B8 more wiring and improved QC so separating the diesels from the battery electrics would be the way to go


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[tonyp]

I read it as an announcement of something that was already going to happen anyway - that after the first few buses from Volgren Melbourne, futher BZLs for Perth will be manufactured by Volgren Perth. Just dressed up by the state government to make it look like an Albanese government would be doing something new.

My guess too perhaps the current assembly line is too busy with the current fleet to add another model of bus and most likely would require a specific type of tooling as well that’s slightly different to the B8RLE & artic fleets hence why another assembly factory is required also perhaps the BZL takes longer to assemble than a B8 more wiring and improved QC so separating the diesels from the battery electrics would be the way to go


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Custom Denning, at its very cramped St Marys site, is churning out electrics alongside diesels at a great rate. I don't know anything about Malaga, but in principle it's quite feasible to body electric buses there. Volgren actually has a much easier job than Custom Denning. It's simply bodying an existing imported chassis and electronics. Custom Denning is building an entire integral electric bus from the ground up.

However, Malaga could already be flat out with work on diesels, but on the other hand, I believe every additional electric is subtracted off the diesel order, so the total number of buses they are required to produce remains the same. Custom Denning is probably building more electrics than diesels by now.

I reckon it's just a political stunt cooked up by McGowan's government to give federal Labor a bit of a leg-up and the state gets the promise of a bit of federal funding as a bonus (mining revenues not enough then?).

[1whoknows]

I agree with tonyp - this is nothing more that the existing contract rehashed to suck in some of the less intelligent voters.

[Merc1107]

However, Malaga could already be flat out with work on diesels, but on the other hand, I believe every additional electric is subtracted off the diesel order, so the total number of buses they are required to produce remains the same. Custom Denning is probably building more electrics than diesels bu now.

Quite certain Malaga is manufacturing for more than just the Transperth side - or at least have in the past. At present the roughly 90 buses per annum for delivery to Transperth comprise a mixture of mostly rigids and some artics; at times in the past decade I believe they even surpassed 110 buses per annum.

Personally can't see how scaling up production of electrics would cause any trouble. With the industry standards for how all the computerised bells and whistles communicate with one another, and use of common parts, I can't imagine it would be any more difficult to put an Optimus body on a BZL than it would be on a CNG or Diesel bus.

I agree with tonyp - this is nothing more that the existing contract rehashed to suck in some of the less intelligent voters.

Documents in the operational areas up for tender indicate a transition to electric was already planned. Add to that the fleet procurement contract has built-in flexibility for the rollout of different powertrains as they become available - it was never "900 diesel buses across 10 years" like some ignorant outlets reported.

[bullswool]

Does anyone know when the electric busses usually run? I had no luck in Joondalup this afternoon - the CATs were running as diesels.