Salvador launches one month pilot of Volkswagen e-Volksbus electric bus on urban routes
By Eve
The Brazilian city of Salvador has begun a one month trial of the Volkswagen e-Volksbus 22L, a 13.2 metre electric bus with an 385 kWh battery and 280 kW motor, carrying up to 82 passengers. The pilot will collect data on energy efficiency, operational range and adaptability to real urban transit conditions. Salvador joins other Brazilian cities testing zero emission alternatives to diesel public transport fleets.
Why it matters
The trial provides real world performance data on electric bus technology in Brazilian urban conditions, informing future procurement decisions for municipal transit operators. It signals growing demand for charging infrastructure to support fleet electrification in Latin American cities.
Source
- Original title
- “Brazil: Salvador Tests Volkswagen e-Volksbus Electric Bus to Advance Zero-Emission Mobility”
- Published
- 13 April 2026 (date approximate)
- Updated
- 22 September 2026
In this story
- Topic
- Electric Vehicles
- Place
- Brazil
- Tag
- Volkswagen
Related news
Volkswagen, PowerCo and Gotion plan three European LFP battery sites
Volkswagen Group, its battery subsidiary PowerCo SE, and Chinese battery manufacturer Gotion High-tech are establishing three joint ventures for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery production across Europe and North Africa. The agreement covers battery cell manufacturing in Valencia, Spain, and Šurany, Slovakia, plus a new LFP cathode material production facility in Kenitra, Morocco. LFP batteries are forecast to increase their share of the European battery market from approximately 10% today to between 40% and 60% by 2030.
Why it matters
The joint ventures address Europe's current lack of significant LFP production capacity while supporting demand for more affordable electric vehicles through cost effective battery solutions. The partnership extends into joint procurement and sales activities, potentially creating supply chain opportunities for contractors and equipment providers across the three manufacturing sites.
Volkswagen · PowerCo · Gotion · Source
Volkswagen ID.Polo records over 5,000 orders in France in three weeks, best monthly result in a decade
The Volkswagen ID.Polo secured 5,215 orders in France during September 2026, despite arriving in dealerships only on 10 September, marking the brand's strongest monthly performance in the country in nearly 10 years. Total orders since launch have reached 10,022 units, with 78% from private buyers rather than fleet customers. The electric city car has surpassed the best monthly figures of its petrol predecessor, the Polo, which peaked at 4,816 orders in March 2019.
Why it matters
Strong private buyer uptake signals robust consumer demand for affordable electric vehicles, which could accelerate charging infrastructure requirements in urban and residential settings. The rapid rollout pace and volume suggest fleet operators and charge point operators should prepare for increased small EV adoption across France.
Volkswagen unveils ID. Tiguan with 295bhp and 373 mile range to replace ID.4 and ID.5
Volkswagen has fully revealed the ID. Tiguan, a major overhaul of its ID.4 electric SUV that will also replace the ID.5 SUV coupe. The vehicle features 295bhp, 373 miles of range, redesigned exterior with full width LED light bar and 3D effects, and significant tech upgrades based on customer feedback. The model aligns naming with VW's combustion powered Tiguan, the brand's global best seller, and includes R Line variants with 20 inch wheels and sportier styling.
Why it matters
The ID. Tiguan's extended range and power output may influence charging infrastructure planning for fleet operators and workplace charging providers targeting family SUV drivers. The consolidation of two models into one platform could affect CPO site planning and charger utilisation forecasts in markets where VW holds significant EV market share.