National Express Coventry to trial fully electric single decker bus

National Express Coventry is trialling a fully electric Volvo bus on Coventry’s roads over the coming weeks.

The single deck Volvo BZL Electric demonstrator can carry up to 75 passengers and is currently on loan to National Express Coventry, where it is operating on the 20, 20A and 20B services between Coventry city centre, University Hospital and Wilson’s Lane. Customers can expect to notice the super smooth and quiet journeys that they’ve become accustomed to on National Express Coventry’s buses, with every one of its 140 double decker buses already being fully electric.

The BZL’s driveline has been fine-tuned to provide very low interior noise and for increased comfort of everyone on board, the vehicle features air conditioning, heating and seatback USB chargers.

Antony Goozee, Bus Strategy and Commercial Director for National Express, said: “Buses are the most used form of transport in Coventry and the wider West Midlands. Not only do our services play a key role in keeping people connected, they are also critical to driving down harmful emissions.

“Getting more people to ditch their cars and switch to travelling by bus is vital to tackling climate change and we’re proud to be leading the charge in offering sustainable transport choices in Coventry, with all 140 of our electric double decker buses producing zero-emissions at the tailpipe.

“As we look ahead to update our single decker vehicles, it’s great to be working with Volvo to trial their BZL Electric bus and we look forward to better understanding its capabilities and efficiencies under our usual operating conditions.”

Domenico Bondi, Managing Director at Volvo Bus UK & Ireland, said: “I am pleased to see our sought-after Volvo BZL Electric demonstrator entering service with an operator whose legacy spans decades, and which has such a deep-rooted name within the passenger transport sector. With Coventry’s plans to become the UK’s first allelectric bus city by 2025, the city’s ambitions tie nicely in with our own.

“We’re proud to be able to improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide a quieter environment for more and more communities in the UK. I look forward to the continued partnership with National Express, helping to meet our collective goals.”

The single deck Volvo BZL Electric demonstrator features a four-battery configuration offering a total power output

Coventry and Warwickshire businesses recognised for support of Armed Forces community

In the 10th year of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association (RFCA) are very pleased to announce the nine winners from Coventry and Warwickshire, which brings the total of ERS Silver holders in the county to 23. The winners are:

• Alliance Medical Ltd

• Coventry City Council

• Driving Academy Global Limited

• George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust Godiva Ltd

• Manufacturing Technology Centre

• My Trusted Wills and Estate Planning LLP

• South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust

• Wigley Investment Holdings of up to 376kWh. It is being charged at the operator’s depot overnight using a 40kW DC mobile charger, provided by Volvo.

This Ministry of Defence award recognises companies for their support to the Armed Forces community, including Reservists, Veterans, spouses, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and Cadets. To qualify for the Silver Award, organisations must demonstrate a number of positive measures and policies that actively support members of the Armed Forces community, align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant and employ at least one individual from the Armed Forces community.

West Midland RFCA would like to congratulate all of their 2024 winners. If reading this has inspired you to find out more about the Employer Recognition Scheme, please email Cat Suckling on wm-reed3@rfca.mod.uk or visit www.wmrfca.org.

The vehicle’s regenerative braking system also enables some of the energy that would otherwise have been lost when the bus is decelerating, to be successfully recovered as free and clean energy to help power the vehicle.

To date, Volvo’s BZL Electric zero tailpipe emission vehicles have been delivered into service in more than 10 countries around the world and are offered in the UK exclusively with MCV bodywork.