Cape Town Deploys 38 Volvo Electric Buses with Locally Built Bodies

Volvo Buses has handed over 38 BZR Low Entry electric buses to Cape Town, a move that brings the first locally bodied electric buses to South Africa’s roads. The bodies are assembled in Johannesburg by the Gauteng Bus and Coach Centre, a step that adds a domestic manufacturing element to the country’s e-mobility push.

The BZR Low Entry model is designed for urban transit, offering low-floor access and a fully electric drivetrain. While Volvo did not specify the battery capacity or range in the announcement, the buses are expected to serve the city’s commuter routes, replacing diesel units and reducing emissions in the coastal metropolis.

This delivery aligns with Cape Town’s broader efforts to modernize its public transport fleet. By sourcing locally produced bodies, the project also supports regional jobs and skills development, a factor that could encourage other municipalities to follow suit in adopting electric buses with local content.