Volvo Buses has strengthened its role in Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM)’s transition to cleaner public transport, with its Volvo BZL Electric buses forming the majority of the 53-vehicle fleet at the Bee Network’s newly electrified Middleton depot.
More than 180 BZL Electric buses now power Bee Network services, underscoring Volvo’s role in supporting Greater Manchester’s delivery of reliable, zero tailpipe emission travel. Completed last month, weeks before the Bee Network marked its first full year under local control, the electrification of TfGM’s Middleton depot helped take the total electric fleet to 390 vehicles — with Volvos making up almost half.
Alison Chew, TfGM’s interim director of bus says: “The electrification of our Middleton depot, the second Bee Network depot to be upgraded, made 18 more Bee Network services fully electric and marked another major step toward a fully electric bus fleet. It’s another important step in building a cleaner, more reliable Bee Network, and our partnership with Volvo Buses continues to play a key role in making that progress possible.”
Volvo played a central role in the Bee Network’s first fully electrified site, completed in Ashton, Tameside, in June 2025. The depot opened with 83 Volvo BZL Electric double deck buses, allowing 14 routes to run entirely on electric power and showcasing the capability of Volvo’s electric bus range at scale.
Thomas Hardie Commercials provides Volvo’s dedicated aftermarket support for the Bee Network through its Trafford Park dealership, which has expanded its EV capability in line with the region’s growing Volvo BZL Electric fleet. The site houses specialist diagnostic equipment, an expanded team of EV‑trained technicians and dedicated apprenticeship opportunities, ensuring the local expertise required to keep vehicles performing reliably in daily service.
Mark Cunnew, Aftermarket Director at local Volvo Truck & Bus dealer Thomas Hardie Commercials, adds: “The Bee Network has become a real source of local pride, and we’re pleased to support its shift towards cleaner air, reduced noise and better services for the communities that rely on it every day. Our frontline EV specialists are already making a real difference, and we’re committed to supporting Greater Manchester as it continues to build a more sustainable transport network.”
Passengers travelling on the 10.9‑metre BZL Electric double deckers, which make up the majority of the electric Volvos within the customer’s fleet, benefit from a quieter and more comfortable ride versus the diesel models they replace. They have each been bodied by MCV to meet TfGM’s exacting standards, with the interior featuring high‑back seating and USB charging points. Drivers will also notice the reduced noise and vibration delivered by the BZL Electric driveline, helping to create a calmer working space.
Power comes from Volvo’s proven 200kW electric driveline, combining an electric motor with a two-speed automated gearbox, propeller shaft and conventional rear axle, which is easy to maintain and gives enhanced ride comfort. Each vehicle carries five lithium‑ion batteries, delivering 470kW/h of onboard energy storage. Range is further supported by a regenerative braking system that captures energy normally lost during deceleration and feeds it back into the vehicle as clean, usable power.
Volvo’s BZL Electric platform continues to gain momentum across the UK and Ireland, with more than 650 vehicles now in service. Operators are increasingly turning to the BZL Electric for its proven reliability, strong energy efficiency and consistent performance in demanding urban environments.
Warwick
26 January 2026
For more press information, please contact: Charlotte Baker or Natalie Ganshert, Garnett Keeler PR, on phone: +44 (0)20 8647 4467, or email charlotte.baker@garnettkeeler.com or natalie.ganshert@garnettkeeler.com.
Volvo Buses is one of the world’s leading providers of sustainable people transport solutions. The offer includes premium city- and intercity buses, coaches, and bus chassis as well as services for increased productivity, uptime and safety. Volvo Buses has sales in 85 countries and a global service network with more than 1,500 dealerships and workshops. Volvo Buses is part of Volvo Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of trucks, buses and construction equipment as well as drive systems for marine and industrial applications. Volvo Group also provides complete financing solutions. For more information visit http://www.volvobuses.com
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