Australian bus manufacturing company Volgren announced that the first of two Volvo BZL vehicles with Optimus bodies that are being produced nearby at Eagle Farm serves as the 50th Battery Electric Bus (BEB) for the bus body maker.
In a media release, Volgren said the Brisbane City Council will run the two vehicles delivered to Queensland’s Translink on the Spring Hill Loop, providing commuters with a free service.
Thiago Deiro, CEO of Volgren said it was fitting that the milestone bus was built locally in Brisbane.
“Our Eagle Farm facility has emerged as a thriving centre for battery electric bus manufacturing, acting as our primary hub for producing cutting-edge electric buses,” Thiago said.
The CEO added, “From humble beginnings as a factory primarily focused on a single contract, Eagle Farm has rapidly evolved into a high-flexible and capable facility, accommodating over 15 different customers across three different states.”
Deiro continued by saying that the growth demonstrates the faith and confidence that many clients have placed in Volgren’s knowledge and the excellence of our electric buses.
“Special thanks go to all our staff, operator partners who have put their faith in Volgren as they transition to zero-emissions, and our OEM partners and suppliers,” he said.
Chief Commercial Officer Yuri Tessari pointed out that the move of Volgren’s Brisbane facility to construct battery electric buses, has been greatly aided by their cooperation with Translink and its operators.
“The procurement of battery electric buses from Volgren demonstrates a commitment to sustainable transportation and a reduction in emissions in the public transportation sector,” he said.
He added, “It has also provided Volgren with a valuable opportunity to showcase our expertise in manufacturing BEBs and gain real-world experience in producing electric buses.”
According to Yuri, the partnership has made it possible for Volgren to modify its Brisbane operation to include the design, engineering, and manufacturing procedures necessary for producing BEBs.
Yuri claimed that since Eagle Farm produced its first domestically made electric bus in 2022, it has shipped nearly 40 BEBs and has a strong backlog of orders.
To date, Volgren Brisbane has grown in size to 100 staff to meet the increased demand.
