In a significant advancement for sustainable public transportation, Volgren, a subsidiary of the Marcopolo Group, has partnered with Yutong, one of the world’s leading bus manufacturers, to introduce the Volgren Optimus/Yutong E12 Battery Electric Bus to the Australian market. This collaboration marks a pivotal step toward greener mobility solutions, combining the strengths of both companies to deliver a vehicle designed to meet the growing demand for environmentally friendly public transport.
The Volgren Optimus, which features a lightweight aluminium body, is being locally produced in Victoria, Australia. In a recent LinkedIn post, Volgren announced the launch of this electric bus, highlighting the significance of local manufacturing in meeting Australia’s public transport needs. The partnership with Yutong, known for its advanced electric chassis technology, is integral to the development of this eco-friendly vehicle.
The Volgren Optimus/Yutong E12 is designed to address the evolving requirements of public transportation systems seeking to reduce their environmental impact. According to Volgren’s Chief Commercial Officer, Yuri Tessari, the introduction of this electric bus represents a significant leap forward in sustainable transit solutions. Tessari noted that the collaboration between Volgren and Yutong has resulted in a product that not only achieves high standards of performance but also supports Australia’s transition toward cleaner energy sources for public transport. Tessari emphasized the benefits of the new bus, particularly in terms of its lightweight construction and passenger capacity. “The Volgren Optimus Yutong E12 is the lightest electric bus in our fleet,” Tessari stated, “allowing us to accommodate up to 71 passengers. This is a major breakthrough in the Battery Electric Bus segment.” The vehicle’s light weight enhances its efficiency, enabling it to deliver optimal performance without compromising passenger capacity, making it a compelling solution for cities seeking to reduce emissions without sacrificing transport quality.
One of the key features of the Volgren Optimus/Yutong E12 is its impressive battery capacity of 350kWh, which allows the bus to travel up to 360 kilometers on a single charge. This range is paired with high energy efficiency, with consumption rates ranging between 0.8 and 1.1kWh per kilometer. The partnership has also announced plans for future models with larger battery capacities of 399kWh and 422kWh, further extending the potential range of these electric buses and enhancing their ability to meet diverse operational needs.
Thiago Deiro, CEO of Volgren, expressed pride in the company’s pioneering role in the development of Australia’s electric bus industry. He emphasized that the collaboration with Yutong reinforces Volgren’s commitment to delivering sustainable, reliable, and high-quality public transport solutions. “We are proud to be at the forefront of electric bus manufacturing in Australia,” Deiro remarked. He added that Yutong has been a key partner in this endeavor, and Volgren looks forward to continuing to expand their collaboration in the Australian market.
The partnership between Volgren and Yutong extends beyond Australia, with the two companies having worked together on projects in countries such as Brazil, Mexico, and China. Daniel Huo, Yutong’s Chassis Director Overseas, stressed the strength of this collaboration, noting that it has enabled the two companies to deliver better solutions to customers. “By joining forces, we are injecting new momentum into the development of public transportation in Australia,” Huo commented. This partnership is expected to play a key role in advancing public transport systems not only in Australia but also in other regions where the two companies operate. Looking ahead, Yutong’s Product Director for the Asia Pacific, William, highlighted the long-term goals of the partnership. He explained that Yutong and Volgren will continue to refine their electric bus offerings based on market feedback to ensure that customers can operate with confidence and efficiency. “Yutong and Volgren are committed to driving the sustainable development of green transportation through ongoing technological innovations,” William said.
As demand for environmentally friendly transport options continues to grow, the Volgren Optimus/Yutong E12 stands as a testament to the potential of international collaboration in advancing sustainable solutions. The partnership between these two industry leaders is poised to have a lasting impact on the future of public transportation, both in Australia and beyond, as they work together to meet the challenges of transitioning to cleaner energy sources.
