Goiânia, Brazil, orders electric buses from Volvo Buses
The order comprises 16 articulated buses and five double-articulated buses, which are to be deployed on the east-west line of Goiânia’s public transport network. This route is a so-called BRT line (‘Bus Rapid Transport’), an express bus line that usually has its own lanes and, in some cases, traffic light sensor systems to detect and give priority to buses at intersections. Volvo Buses has designed its new platform specifically for such BRT systems.
According to Volvo Buses, the order is the result of an agreement between the company and GreenMob Capital, an investment company of the HP Group that specialises in structuring capital-intensive projects in the field of urban mobility. The vehicles are part of the first batch of electric articulated and double-articulated buses to be produced at the Volvo industrial complex in Curitiba, Brazil. The double-articulated bus can carry up to 250 passengers, while the single-articulated version is designed for 180 people. All buses also have double doors and air conditioning.
After delivery, the buses will serve the BRT system in the Goiânia metropolitan area, which currently carries around 12 million passengers per month and is expected to grow to 17 million, according to Volvo Buses. The entire BRT network covers the east-west and north-south corridors with a total length of 50 kilometres. It has 50 stations and connections to Trindade, Goianira and Senador Canedo.
“It is with great satisfaction that we announce this important sale for one of the main BRT-systems in Brazil. The city of Goiânia takes a major step toward decarbonizing public transport by adopting high-tech electric buses with exceptional safety features,” said André Marques, President of Volvo Buses Latin America.
According to Gustavo Bacellar de Faria, CEO of GreenMob Capital, the delivery of the new buses marks a significant step for public transport in Brazil: “We are bringing the most advanced vehicle technology available globally to Goiânia— combining efficiency, comfort, and safety. The arrival of the electric Volvo BZRTs strengthens our commitment to driving the development of innovative and sustainable urban mobility solutions, creating tangible value for both cities and our clients.”
In spring, Volvo Buses announced that it had started production of its first electric chassis for extra-long buses at its Brazilian plant in Curitiba. The BZRT chassis serves as the basis for both articulated and double-articulated buses up to 28 metres in length. Power is provided by two 200 kW motors, which can be combined with up to eight batteries with a total capacity of 720 kWh. The 90 kWh battery packs used are also found in Volvo’s electric trucks and other electric bus platforms, such as the BZR chassis (for smaller buses). Another drive component is an automated two-speed transmission based on the Volvo I-Shift. Volvo estimates the charging time to be two to four hours, “depending on the type and power of the charging station.”
“The production start in Brazil marks an important step in Volvo Buses’ commitment to offer sustainable people transport solutions,” Marques said in May. “Since launching the Volvo BZRT, we have observed a steady rise in customer interest and demand for this application.”
Mexico is one of the locations where Volvo will assemble the electric double-articulated and articulated buses. The first such vehicles are expected to be delivered there in 2026. Last May, Volvo Buses announced that it would be testing electric double-articulated buses in Curitiba (Brazil), Bogotá (Colombia) and Mexico City.
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