Testing has been on-going since the start of the year with plans for a commercial launch later this year - the brand already has a commercial electric truck, called the eDelivery.

The O 500 RSD 2448 478hp 6x2 and O 500 RS 1945 448hp 4x2 chassis conform to Euro V emissions standard, which is the prevailing standard or better in most Latin America countries outside of Brazil.

The low cabin of the ‘Volta Zero’ will be supported by an independent front suspension from ZF which can support a vehicle width of up to 2,600mm and an axle load of 8,200 kg.

Designed with significantly higher ground clearance and a suspension suited for off-road journeys, the Bus Rural, which is compact is size measuring 8.78m long and 2.50m wide, is mounted on the 15-210 Iveco chassis.

Included in the new options is air or pneumatic suspension and a choice of manual and automated transmissions with some of the rear engine versions.

The project, known as ‘Mach2’, aims to integrate Level 4 autonomous Renault minibuses, without onboard supervision, into the city’s public transport network, which is operated by Keolis.

In the wintertime, two Volvo VNR Electric trucks will serve in real operations with Murphy Logistics Solutions in Minnesota, and in summer they will serve with HEB Grocery Company in Texas, offering two opposing extremes in temperature.

The biomethane bus trial in Londrina is the third demonstration by Compagas and Scania in 2023; the first being in the Metropolitan Region of Curitiba, and then in the capital city of Curitiba.

As a result of the increased energy storage, the FL Electric can now travel up to 450 kilometres on a single charge, while the range of the FE Electric is extended up to 275 kilometres.

June saw the start of series production of Mercedes-Benz eO500U electric bus chassis on the modern Bus Chassis Production Line at the Mercedes-Benz do Brasil plant in São Bernardo do Campo (SP).

XCMG states that 30 E7-49T units are already in operation with customers in different parts of Brazil.

The T, T High, C, and K model ranges, as well as the upcoming battery electric ‘E-Tech’ T and C trucks, will come with new cab fittings and advanced driver assistance options compliant with upcoming regulations.