Volkswagen begins delivery of the E-Volksbus in Brazil
The commercial vehicle manufacturer, also known as Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus, unveiled the electric bus made in Brazil for Brazil in spring 2024. Production of the e-Volksbus was scheduled to begin in the second half of last year, and the timeline appears to have been met.
The electric bus was developed in Resende, in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Volkswagen Truck & Bus (VWTB) leveraged its five years of experience with the electric truck e-Delivery. Both vehicles share technologies and components.
The e-Volksbus 22L is a 13.2-metre low-entry variant with a capacity for up to 82 passengers. The electric bus is powered by a 280 kW electric motor. Twelve LFP battery cells, totalling 385 kWh, are designed to provide a range of up to 250 kilometres.
This range appears to meet the requirements of the first customers. Since May this year, the e-Volksbus 22L has been tested under real-world conditions in São Paulo. Following a successful trial phase, VWTB reported that Brazilian public transport operators immediately ordered an initial batch of 100 units. The first 50 e-Volksbus units from this order were recently delivered to the transport company Transppass for use in São Paulo.
Meanwhile, the first e-Volksbus was expected to arrive in Resende, a city in the south of the state of Rio de Janeiro, as early as last week. The vehicle will be operated by the transport company Viação Princesinha do Vale. The remaining units are scheduled for delivery to additional public transport operators from January 2026, including further units for Resende. However, Volkswagen Truck & Bus did not provide further details.
Beyond delivering the buses, the manufacturer is also focusing on their operation. A ‘comprehensive technical support programme’ has been implemented to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the new buses. VWTB staff provide customers with training and strategies for operating the buses, as well as guidance on maintenance processes that can be carried out in their own workshops. In turn, VWTB’s dealer network is prepared to support the operation of these vehicles and guarantee a constant supply of spare parts. The services are tailored to the individual needs of public transport operators.
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