Volvo Buses to supply 38 electric buses to Cape Town

Volvo Buses will supply 38 Volvo BZR Low Entry Electric buses to the City of Cape Town, introducing the first locally bodied electric buses in South Africa

The buses will operate within the city’s electric passenger transport system, supporting its transition towards zero-emission public mobility.

“This is a landmark project for both Cape Town and for us. We can be very proud to introduce electric buses to the city, and in doing so, prove that we acknowledge and support a sustainable future,” commented Leon Nelson, director, Volvo Buses in South Africa.

Electric bus platform and local manufacturing

Based on Volvo Buses’ flexible BZR platform, the Volvo BZRLE Electric is designed to accommodate different operational requirements while supporting long-term electrification strategies. The bus bodies will be designed and manufactured locally by Gauteng Bus and Coach Centre in Johannesburg.

The platform combines energy efficiency, operational reliability and passenger comfort for urban transport applications. The buses will feature a modern exterior and spacious interior designed to accommodate both seated and standing passengers.

The low-entry configuration is intended to provide smooth boarding and universal accessibility, including wheelchair accommodation and preferential seating. The installed energy capacity has been configured to meet the operational requirements of the City of Cape Town.

The transition from diesel to electric buses represents a significant change for public transport operators and requires detailed planning, coordination and collaboration between multiple stakeholders. Volvo Buses has acted as a strategic advisor throughout the process, applying a 360-degree approach that brings together local and global expertise to support infrastructure planning and system implementation.

For the Cape Town project, the charging infrastructure will be managed by the City of Cape Town, while Gauteng Bus and Coach Centre will manufacture the bus bodies locally in Johannesburg.

“The first buses are scheduled for delivery in 2027,” stated Rob Quintas, city councillor responsible for urban mobility in Cape Town. “We have ordered a minimum of 38 buses, but this number may increase with funding availability. The new buses will be paid for by means of Public Transport National Grant funding.”

Supporting South Africa’s electric mobility transition

The project combines electric bus technology with local manufacturing, infrastructure development and public transport funding. The introduction of locally bodied electric buses is also expected to strengthen domestic capabilities and build technical expertise as South Africa progresses towards more sustainable urban transport.

“This project demonstrates how electrification can be implemented in a way that strengthens local capabilities, builds technical competence, and contributes to the development of a future-ready public transport ecosystem. We are proud that Cape Town has chosen Volvo Buses as a partner towards a cleaner and more efficient urban transport system,” commented Manish Sahi, vice-president, Volvo Buses MIAC.

The Cape Town deployment forms part of Volvo Buses’ broader focus on sustainable passenger transport solutions. The company provides city and intercity buses, coaches and bus chassis, together with services designed to support productivity, uptime and safety.

Volvo Buses operates in more than 70 countries and, together with Volvo Trucks, has a network of more than 2,200 service and support locations. The company is part of the Volvo Group, which provides transport and infrastructure solutions including trucks, buses, construction equipment and marine and industrial motors.