The electrification of transportation has begun to transform our cities, and Volvo is at the forefront of this revolution. In Brazil, Volvo has begun testing its first 100% electric bi-articulated bus in the city of Curitiba, marking a milestone in mass urban transportation.
Volvo's bi-articulated chassis is the largest electric vehicle in its global portfolio. Despite its size, it maintains the efficiency and robustness characteristics of its diesel equivalent, using the same frame, axles and suspension. Equipped with the Volvo Group's electric propulsion system, the bi-articulated vehicle offers an ecological and efficient alternative for mass passenger transportation.
The electric motor, located between the first and second axles, ensures optimal load distribution, allowing a completely free interior design for passengers. With a length of 28 meters, this vehicle can transport up to 250 passengers, making it an ideal solution for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems. According to André Marques, president of Volvo Buses Latin America, “a BRT with these vehicles can transport the same number of passengers as a metro, but with significantly lower costs and zero emissions.”
Volvo's bi-articulated electric buses are equipped with two motors of 200kW each, adding a total of 400kW, equivalent to 540 HP. The two-speed automated gearbox, based on the renowned I-Shift transmission, improves the bus's ability to negotiate grades and reduces component vibration, resulting in better performance and longer vehicle life, as well as a lower maintenance cost.
With a total capacity of 720 kWh provided by up to eight batteries, the electric bi-articulated vehicle can achieve a range of up to 250 kilometers. Full recharge time varies between 2 and 4 hours, depending on the type and power of the charging station. Additionally, a rooftop charger option is available for quick recharges at BRT terminals during the daily commute.
Initially, the tests will be carried out in Brazil, but Volvo already plans to expand them to Bogotá (Colombia) and Mexico City, cities that also have BRT transport systems. This initiative not only represents a significant advance in transportation technology, but also a firm commitment to sustainability and the reduction of emissions in our cities.