Volvo has launched the BZL, an electric city bus model designed specifically for urban applications. The BZL was presented at the Smart City Expo Bogotá and is the first vehicle from a European manufacturer to be available in Colombia, thus marking a milestone in the transition towards electromobility in Latin America. With a body length of 9.5 meters and capacity for 65 passengers, the BZL offers 15 additional seats compared to other models in the segment. Its design without stairs allows a faster, more comfortable and safer embarkation and disembarkation. Also, dispense with the elevator for wheelchair passengers.
The BZL stands out for its operational efficiency, as operators will require fewer buses to meet the same passenger demand. This implies a reduction in operating costs and a lower investment in the acquisition of the fleet, as well as an optimization of the charging and storage infrastructure. Volvo has worked closely with Bogotá's Transmilenio system for more than 20 years, and BZL continues this collaboration by providing a smart, efficient and responsible mobility solution.
Regarding sustainability, the Volvo BZL is equipped with up to 5 batteries and offers a range of more than 300 km, which makes it ideal for the urban cycle. Batteries can be recharged overnight in the operator's garage. The vehicle offers two powertrain options and uses technology that allows more efficient energy consumption. In addition, 90% of the chassis and powertrain components are recyclable, helping to reduce environmental impact.
Volvo is a leading brand in Bogota's Transmilenio transportation system and has supplied most of the articulated and bi-articulated buses in circulation. The arrival of the Volvo BZL as the first 100% electric vehicle from a traditional manufacturer in the city reinforces the brand's position as a benchmark in quality and robustness for system operators. In addition to Colombia, the BZL will also be featured in demonstrations in other major Latin American cities, such as Santiago, Curitiba, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
Bogota's Transmilenio transportation system, which began operating in December 2000, has become the largest in Latin America and one of the most important worldwide. With 115 kilometers of tracks, 12 trunk lines in operation, 157 stations and 9 terminals, the Transmilenio covers the entire Colombian capital, a metropolis with more than 8 million inhabitants. Almost half of the city's population uses this transport system daily, with more than 10,000 units operating on it. Articulated and bi-articulated buses, in which Volvo is the supply leader, run on the trunk routes, while another 8,500 smaller buses complement the urban operation.
Volvo's participation in the expansion and renewal of the Transmilenio fleet has been prominent since the beginning of the system. More than 50% of the articulated and bi-articulated buses that circulate in the Transmilenio are from the Swedish brand, which reflects its recognition for quality, availability and robustness. The arrival of the Volvo BZL, as the first 100% electric vehicle from a traditional manufacturer in the city, further cements Volvo's position as a trusted provider of sustainable urban transport solutions. The BZL is not only presented in Colombia, but will also participate in demonstrations in other important cities in Latin America, such as Santiago (Chile), Curitiba, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro (Brazil).