Volvo debut its electric bus, signs MOU with Rapid
The trial would run for six months to a year on Route 581, connecting Desa Tasik to LRT Bandar Tasik Selatan.
SHAH ALAM - Volvo Buses and Gemilang International Ltd have launched the Volvo BZL-GML Eco Range electric city bus in Malaysia, marking a significant step towards sustainable urban transport.
The premium, low-floor electric bus is set to begin trial operations in July under a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd.
The Volvo BZL-GML Eco Range represents a fusion of Volvo's European electromobility innovations and Gemilang's expertise in electric bus bodywork, offering a high-efficiency, emission-free transport solution.
During the launch, Rapid Bus Chief Executive Officer Muhammad Yazurin Sallij confirmed that the trial would run for six months to a year on Route 581, connecting Desa Tasik to LRT Bandar Tasik Selatan.
Speaking at the event, Volvo Buses Malaysia country manager Marcus Mak stated that as a global provider of transport solutions committed to cutting-edge innovations, Volvo aims to deliver the world's most responsible and safest electric bus systems.
“We believe that electromobility is one of the greatest solutions that can power a better future for all.
“The introduction of the Volvo BZL-GML Eco Range will contribute to a more sustainable environment through zero-emission whilst playing a key role in strengthening industry networks through increasing understanding of superior electromobility technologies,” he added.
Meanwhile, Gemilang International Ltd Executive Director Pang Jun Jie noted that the launch of the all-new Volvo ZL-GML Eco Range was timely, as Rapid Bus planned to expand its fleet of electric buses as part of its electrification programme.
“With aluminium body superstructure, the Volvo BZL-GML Eco Range possesses outstanding reliability, safety levels and environmental performance that are suited for use as the choice public transportation vehicle in Malaysia.
“Gemilang shares the same goal with Volvo in achieving sustainability through electromobility, which is in line with Malaysian government's initiatives in reducing carbon footprint and promoting green mobilities in the Klang Valley and other major cities,” he said.
The new bus is designed with a focus on sustainability and efficiency.
The bus is expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions, contributing to Malaysia's goal of becoming a carbon-neutral nation by 2050.
The Volvo BZL-GML Eco Range supports Malaysia's plan to increase the adoption of electric buses, starting with the Klang Valley, and aligns with Rapid Bus's fleet electrification strategy to replace diesel-powered buses with electric ones by 2030.
