BorderBus orders another Volvo MCV eVoRa

Suffolk-based BorderBus has placed an order for a second Volvo B8RLE MCV eVoRa. The order follows the proven performance of an identical model purchased in October 2023, which joined a 30-strong fleet comprised largely of competitor brands.

The new 10.8m single-deck vehicle is being built to the same specification, and is scheduled to enter service later this year. It will join the existing eVoRa in operating the six-day-a-week 146 service from Southwold to Norwich, via Kessingland and Beccles.

“We were sold on it immediately!” – Andrew Pursey, Managing Director of BorderBus

Andrew Pursey, Managing Director of BorderBus, said: “The B8RLE MCV eVoRa came onto our radar as there’s a lot of them operating in the region, and we wanted to see how one would stand up against the single-deck buses we were already running.

“To collect some feedback a group of us took a journey on an eVoRa in the Sanders Coaches fleet and the first thing we all noticed was the quality of the ride. The suspension was so smooth; it soaked up the bumps and potholes – aided by the fact it rode on 22.5inch tyres, rather than 19.5inch tyres common on vehicles of this size. We were sold on it immediately!”

Pursey’s only apprehension was as to whether the Volvo’s 7.7-litre D8K engine could match the fuel efficiency BorderBus was accustomed to from equivalent competitor vehicles on its fleet, which typically operate with a smaller 4.5-litre engine.

He explains: “We suspected the larger engine might cost us at the pumps, but that’s not been the case. It’s hit a real fuel efficiency sweet spot, averaging 12.86mpg on the 146 service, which is very competitive given the passenger loads we carry. Drivers have also appreciated the extra performance as it means they don’t have to work the engine as hard.

“The decision to order a second eVoRa was an easy one, as the first vehicle hasn’t skipped a beat in service. When you’re running a busy operation to timetable, you can’t underestimate the importance of a product which delivers great reliability, comfort, safety and fuel efficiency, day after day.”

BorderBus has selected the D8K engine rated to 320hp and delivering a peak torque of up to 1,200Nm. This six-cylinder in-line engine is driven through a ZF automatic transmission. The new B8RLE MCV eVoRa is expected to clock-up around 72,000 miles per annum.

Both vehicles will be serviced and maintained in-house, supported by a supply of Genuine Volvo Parts from the local Volvo Truck and Bus Centre South & East dealership in Norwich.