Volvo Buses and Alexander Dennis study tram-style electric bus for UK transit
By Eve
Volvo Buses and Alexander Dennis are conducting a feasibility study to develop a tram-style electric bus for the UK, using Volvo's BZL Electric articulated chassis with the proposed Enviro Max body design. The 18 metre vehicle can be specified with up to 530kWh of battery capacity and charging at up to 450kW via OppCharge, designed to deliver high-capacity rapid transit without the infrastructure costs of traditional tram systems. The project targets local authorities seeking cost-effective public transport expansion using existing road space.
Why it matters
This development offers UK local authorities a lower-cost alternative to tram infrastructure while maintaining high-capacity transit, potentially opening procurement opportunities for electric bus fleets with tram-like appeal. The 450kW charging capability signals demand for high-power charging infrastructure at depot and route locations to support rapid turnaround operations.
Source
- Original title
- “Volvo Buses and Alexander Dennis explore tram-style EV”
- Published
- 22 October 2026
- Updated
- 23 October 2026
- Also covered by
- sustainable-bus.com
In this story
- Topic
- Electric Vehicles
- Place
- Global
- Tags
- Volvo Buses · Alexander Dennis
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