Mexico orders 53 Volvo electric buses ahead of 2026 World Cup
Volvo Buses has received an order for 53 electric buses for the Guadalajara metropolitan area as part of a wider programme to modernise Jalisco’s urban transport system ahead of the World Cup in June next year. The delivery comprises 31 Luminus high-floor buses based on the Volvo BZR chassis, 12 Luminus low-floor buses based on the BZL chassis, and 10 articulated Volvo 7800 Electric buses. All vehicles will be manufactured in Mexico.
The first 12 Luminus low-floor buses will enter service in December 2025, with the remaining vehicles scheduled for deployment in May 2026.
The Luminus model was especially conceived for the Mexican market and first presented in mid-2023. It is available in different lengths from 9.7 to 13 metres. The manufacturer does not state the battery capacity of the ordered buses. Just as an example, the BZL electric platform can accommodate three to five battery packs with NCA cells of 94 kWh each, resulting in three battery options 282 kWh, 376 kWh and 470 kWh. The BZR electric bus platform can be equipped with four to six battery packs with 90 kWh each, giving a maximum total energy content of 540 kWh. The electric drive is available either as a single-motor version with 200 kW or a dual-motor version with 400 kW.
Designed for urban duty cycles, the buses will rely primarily on overnight charging, supported by daytime top-ups via CS2 connectors when required. Volvo Buses states that while the project focuses on vehicle supply rather than a turnkey charging package, it will provide operational support through its national service network.
According to preliminary calculations, the 53-unit fleet will reduce CO₂ emissions by more than 35 per cent compared to equivalent diesel models, representing a saving of more than 140 tonnes per year.
Rafael Kisel, Managing Director at Volvo Buses Mexico, said: “This project positions Guadalajara as one of the leading Mexican cities in adopting electromobility solutions. It reflects the state’s forward-looking approach to sustainable public transport.”
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