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Volvo B5TL
Volvo B5TL
Volvo B5TL
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Volvo B5TL
London General Wright Gemini 3 bodied B5TL in Friern Road, Dulwich in August 2014
Overview
ManufacturerVolvo
Production2013-2021
Body and chassis
Doors1 or 2 door
Floor typeLow floor
RelatedVolvo B8L, Volvo B5LH
Powertrain
EngineVolvo D5K-240 5.1 litre diesel
Power output240 hp (180 kW)
TransmissionZF EcoLife Type 6AP1003B
Dimensions
Length10.5 m (34 ft 5 in) or 11.2 m (36 ft 9 in)
Width2.55 m (8 ft 4 in)
Chronology
PredecessorVolvo B9TL (2-axle)

The Volvo B5TL is a 2-axle low-floor double decker bus chassis built by Volvo.[1] It replaced the B9TL as Volvo's Euro 6 2-axle double decker product for the UK and Irish markets.

Design

[edit]

The B5TL is powered by Volvo's new 4-cylinder, 5.1 litre D5K-240 engine, which is rated at 240 bhp/177 kW. The move to a smaller engine is one of the weight-reduction measures implemented to the new bus.[1] Along with its bodybuilding partner Wrightbus, the whole bus achieves a reduction of 1,000 kg comparing to its predecessor. Volvo stated that, with the smaller engine and weight reduction, the B5TL will achieve 10% improvement on fuel economy.[2]

Wrightbus offered the lightened Gemini 3 bodywork for the B5TL, which contributes 70% of the weight reduction. MCV is also offering their body as an alternative to the Wrightbus design, while Alexander Dennis have exclusively built 98 examples of their Enviro400 MMC body on the Volvo B5TL chassis for Lothian Buses.[3]

History

[edit]
Rear view
A B5TL with the facelift Wright Gemini 3 bodywork

The first example appeared in London in autumn 2013, entering service with Go-Ahead London in October 2013 for evaluation. It remained until late February 2014 before being returned to Volvo. This bus was also used by Stagecoach London on other routes.

Four further B5TL demonstrators have appeared in early 2014. One was trialed by Lothian Buses, before moving to Go North East.[4] Another was trialled by operators such as Transdev on service 36. Both of these have now been purchased by East Yorkshire and operate on the company's 66 route between Hessle and Hull. The other two were delivered to London General and Metroline and placed in service on routes 12 and 297 respectively.

In March 2014, Translink of Northern Ireland, placed an order for 42 buses with the new Wright Gemini 3 bodywork, with the last of them carrying the further redesigned version.[5] In May 2014, Lothian Buses had ordered for 25 buses, all of them were Wright Gemini 3 bodied.[6] Translink placed a second order in 2017 for 32 B5TLs, 10 of which being long wheelbase models for use on its Airport 300 service, with the remainder for use in Belfast. All of these have the new style front.

Outside the UK, a B5TL demonstrator was delivered to Dublin Bus in early 2014 for evaluation. A batch of 70 (SG-class) were subsequently ordered by Dublin Bus with deliveries commencing in August 2014.[7] In 2015 Bus Éireann took delivery of 25 B5TLs, while Dublin Bus ordered a further 90 examples. Dublin Bus have continued to place orders, and by the end of 2017 it had a total of 370 in service. Further orders were placed for 2018-2019 deliveries, building up to a total of 546 in service by December 2019.[8] There are also 72 in service with Go-Ahead Ireland, some of which were transferred from Dublin Bus and others delivered brand new to Go-Ahead. By the end of 2017, Bus Éireann had a total of 85 B5TLs in service across Ireland, operating in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Waterford, Drogheda, Dundalk and Galway.

Volvo Buses removed product information on B5TL from their British website in mid-2021.[citation needed]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Volvo B5TL

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Volvo B5TL is a low-floor, two-axle chassis developed and produced by , primarily for urban and intercity operations in the UK and markets. Introduced in 2013 as the Euro 6-compliant successor to the larger-engined B9TL model, it emphasizes reduced weight, improved fuel efficiency, and lower lifecycle costs while maintaining high passenger capacity of up to 95 seats. The chassis supports various body configurations from builders such as and MCV, with overall lengths typically around 10.5 to 11 meters and a of 5.4 meters. At the heart of the B5TL is a compact 5.1-litre four-cylinder D5K , delivering 240 horsepower at 1,900 rpm and a maximum of 918 Nm between 1,200 and 1,600 rpm, compliant with Euro 6 emissions standards through (SCR), (EGR), and a (DPF) with automatic regeneration. This powertrain is mated to a specially adapted ZF Ecolife six-speed , contributing to enhanced drivability and reduced fuel consumption compared to predecessors. The incorporates electro-hydraulic with an electric motor-driven pump and electric cooling fans, further optimizing weight savings of approximately 300 kg on the alone. Development of the B5TL spanned three years of intensive testing and collaboration with body manufacturers like , involving input from fleet operators to ensure reliability and maintainability. Key innovations include a total gross weight reduction of up to 1,000 kg (including body contributions), which not only boosts but also lowers operational costs by an estimated 10% over five years through better fuel economy and easier access to components for servicing. Fuel tank options of 205 or 250 litres provide flexibility for route demands, while the low-floor layout enhances for passengers. The B5TL has been widely adopted by operators such as Translink in , which ordered 42 units in 2014, and Yellow Buses in , which took delivery of eight high-specification models in 2015. Later examples include Bath Bus Company's two MCV eVoSeti-bodied B5TLs in 2020, demonstrating ongoing relevance for double-decker fleets before production tapered off around 2021. Its versatile design, including open-top variants for tourist services, underscores its role in promoting efficient, high-capacity .

Design

Chassis and structure

The Volvo B5TL is a 2-axle low-floor chassis with a rear-mounted engine, designed specifically for high-capacity urban operations in markets like the and . This configuration optimizes space utilization while maintaining structural integrity for double-deck bodywork. Standard dimensions include lengths of 10.5 m or 11.2 m, a width of 2.55 m, and a low-floor to facilitate passenger , particularly for users and those with mobility aids. The chassis supports options for one or two doors, allowing flexibility for different operational needs such as city routes or services. Through the use of optimized materials and innovative design alterations, the B5TL contributes approximately 300 kg to a total gross weight reduction of up to 1,000 kg (including body contributions) compared to its predecessor, the B9TL, which enhances and increases passenger capacity potential. The simplified structure and fewer components contribute to an estimated 10% reduction in maintenance costs over a 5-year period. Ride comfort is prioritized with independent front suspension and on the rear , providing stability and smooth handling on varied road surfaces. This setup integrates seamlessly with the 6-compliant to deliver balanced overall vehicle performance.

Powertrain

The Volvo B5TL is powered by the D5K-240, a 5.1-litre inline four-cylinder with , , and , delivering 240 hp (179 kW) at 1,900 rpm and a maximum of 918 Nm between 1,200 and 1,600 rpm. This right-sized power unit maintains performance levels comparable to larger predecessors while contributing to overall efficiency gains. The engine achieves compliance with 6 emissions standards through the integration of (SCR) for NOx control and (EGR) to reduce temperatures, alongside a (DPF) for particulate matter capture. Paired with the engine is the ZF EcoLife 6AP1003B six-speed , featuring an integrated retarder for enhanced braking assistance and smoother operation in urban environments with frequent stops. The transmission's design optimizes shift patterns for low-speed city driving, reducing wear on service brakes and improving drivability. The powertrain's transverse rear-engine mounting arrangement aids in achieving balanced , which is particularly beneficial for double-decker configurations by lowering the center of gravity and enhancing stability without compromising interior space. Compared to the preceding B9TL model, the B5TL yields significant improvements, attributable to the downsized yet potent engine and a overall vehicle weight reduction of up to 1,000 kg through chassis and component optimizations. These enhancements not only lower operational costs but also support extended range on a single tank, with capacities of 205 or 250 litres available.

Bodywork and configurations

The Volvo B5TL chassis is primarily bodied by specialist manufacturers such as , , and MCV, each offering distinct double-decker designs tailored to urban transit needs. provides the body, a lightweight low-floor structure that integrates seamlessly with the B5TL for enhanced efficiency and passenger comfort. supplies the Enviro400 MMC body. MCV contributes custom low-floor double-decker bodies, including the eVoSeti variant, which emphasizes modular construction and adaptability. Seating configurations on the B5TL typically accommodate 75 to 85 seated passengers, with around 45 seats on the upper deck and 30 on the lower deck, though these vary based on door layouts—such as dual-door front and rear setups—and specific operator requirements. The low-floor design facilitates step-free entry, enabling accessibility through optional kneeling suspension that lowers the by up to 70 mm and deployable ramps at the front or rear doors. This setup complies with accessibility standards for urban services, allowing space for at least one without compromising overall capacity. Operators can customize B5TL-bodied buses with features like systems for dual-deck climate control, energy-efficient LED interior and exterior lighting, and integrated CCTV for passenger safety, all optimized for demanding city routes. The chassis's modular body mounting system promotes rapid assembly by bodybuilders, supporting quick adaptations such as reinforced frames for right-hand drive markets in the UK and while maintaining structural integrity.

History

Development

The Volvo B5TL was announced on September 19, 2012, as Volvo Buses' next-generation 2-axle double-decker chassis, specifically developed for the UK and Irish markets to comply with the impending Euro 6 emissions standards set to take effect in 2014. This initiative addressed the need for a more environmentally compliant vehicle in urban operations, where double-deckers remain a staple for high-capacity passenger transport. Development emphasized engine downsizing from the 9.3-litre inline-six unit of the predecessor B9TL to a more compact 5.1-litre four-cylinder , aiming to enhance overall without compromising . This right-sized , rated at 240 hp and 918 Nm of , was selected to reduce consumption, vehicle weight, and lifecycle costs compared to the larger B9TL, which had faced challenges with higher operating expenses in intensive service. Extensive testing, encompassing thousands of hours of validation including durability trials for high-cycle urban routes, ensured the could withstand demanding conditions typical of and Irish bus networks. Central development objectives included achieving approximately 10% better fuel economy through the smaller and optimized components, alongside a significant weight reduction of up to 1,000 kg via lighter materials and simplified systems, and decreased maintenance requirements from modular designs that minimized complexity. These goals directly tackled the B9TL's drawbacks, such as elevated fuel and upkeep costs, positioning the B5TL as a more economical option for operators transitioning to greener fleets in the post-2010 era of stricter environmental regulations. The first evaluation units were assembled in , where prototypes incorporated operator feedback from trials on low-floor double-decker requirements, refining aspects like and drivability for real-world deployment. This collaborative approach with fleet owners helped bridge gaps in the market for compact, efficient double-deckers following the B9TL's phase-out. The resulting low-floor chassis height of 1,150 mm facilitated seamless integration with existing bodywork standards.

Production and introduction

Production of the Volvo B5TL commenced in 2013, with the chassis developed in close collaboration with bodybuilder in , where the first complete vehicles were assembled in October 2013. The model featured a 5.1-liter D5K Euro 6 , enabling compliance with stringent emissions standards while offering improved and reduced weight compared to predecessors. Initial customer deliveries occurred in October 2013 to , where a demonstrator unit (fleet number V6, registration BF63 HFE) entered evaluation service on route 12 from garage. The production run spanned from to 2021, culminating in an estimated total of over 1,000 units built, with records indicating 1,271 registered examples excluding prototypes. Manufacturing ceased as shifted focus toward electric drivetrains, exemplified by the introduction of the BZL Electric chassis in 2021, and larger diesel/hybrid models such as the B8L three-axle double-decker. Key milestones included significant 2014 orders, such as Translink's purchase of 42 units for services, alongside acquisitions by operators like and to expand urban fleets. In 2015, Yellow Buses added eight high-specification examples to its Bournemouth operations, enhancing capacity on key routes with Wrightbus Gemini 3 bodywork. By late 2019, had amassed over 500 units, reflecting sustained demand for the model's reliability in high-volume city services. Post-2021, the B5TL entered a phase of gradual retirements as operators transitioned to successor models amid broader initiatives, though detailed updates on these shifts remain limited in . The model's phase-out aligned with 2020s trends toward zero-emission vehicles, with no new builds produced after 2021; however, substantial numbers remained in active service across the and Ireland as of November 2025, supported by ongoing maintenance and repowering options.

Operators

United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, the Volvo B5TL has seen widespread adoption among bus operators, particularly for double-decker services in urban and suburban environments across , , , and . Major operators in include , which began evaluating the chassis in 2013 and subsequently expanded its fleet to over 100 units, deploying them on routes such as the 149 from Edmonton Green to . incorporated more than 200 B5TLs by 2018, utilizing them extensively on contracts in east and southeast . operates a small number of units (including a demonstrator), primarily in northwest for services like the 16 and 298. Outside London, regional operators have integrated the B5TL into their fleets for key routes. Go North East employs several B5TLs with Wright Eclipse Gemini 3 bodies on Northeast services, including the X20 from Newcastle to Langley Park and the X21 to West Auckland. East Yorkshire Motor Services (EYMS) introduced 12 B5TLs in 2017 for the Hull area, with additional units like six MCV EvoSeti-bodied examples allocated to the 121 Eastrider from Hull to and the X7 to ; these vehicles operate in the Hull Interchange and surrounding suburban networks. utilizes B5TLs across various contracts, notably on Yorkshire Coastliner routes such as the 840 through the , where Wright Gemini 3-bodied examples provide connectivity. In , Translink's division ordered 42 B5TLs with 3 bodies in 2014 and introduced them in 2015, primarily for urban and suburban services including the 300a to and rail substitution duties at Lanyon Place station; these units have been integrated into Translink's broader network, enhancing capacity on high-frequency routes. Fleet highlights include in , which took delivery of 25 B5TLs with bodies in 2016 for services like the 26 from Clerwood to Seton Sands, alongside open-top variants for tours. In , Yellow Buses acquired eight -bodied B5TLs in 2015, deploying them on local routes such as the 196 along the . Operationally, B5TLs are favored for their reliability in predominantly urban and suburban double-decker duties, supporting high-capacity passenger flows in congested areas. Post-2022 updates reflect a shift toward , with some units undergoing repowering to battery-electric; for instance, initiated conversion of 18 open-top B5TLs in 2023 via Kleanbus, while Golden Tours repowered 10 units in 2024 with Equipmake technology to meet goals, leading to selective withdrawals of older diesel models starting in 2023 due to age and regulatory pressures.

Ireland

The first deliveries of the Volvo B5TL to the Republic of Ireland arrived in 2014, with Dublin Bus receiving an initial batch of 65 units bodied by Wrightbus as the SG class for evaluation and service entry on high-capacity urban routes. These vehicles were introduced to meet growing demand in Dublin following the Euro 6 emissions standards mandate, emphasizing reliable double-deck operation on congested city corridors. By 2015, Dublin Bus had expanded its fleet with an additional 90 B5TLs, followed by 110 more in 2016, approximately 105 in 2017, and 141 in 2018, all featuring Wrightbus Gemini 3 bodywork suited for right-hand drive configurations on Irish roads. This procurement resulted in Dublin Bus operating the largest B5TL fleet in the Republic, reaching over 500 units by 2019, primarily deployed on key routes such as the 11 (Phoenix Park to Sandyford), 13 (Grange Castle to Baggot Street), and 16 (Ballinteer to Dublin Airport), where their 95-passenger capacity supports peak-hour urban mobility needs. Bus Éireann introduced its first B5TLs in 2015 with 25 units for Cork and regional services, expanding to over 50 by 2016 to enhance double-deck capacity on interurban and city routes like the 214 (Cork to ) and 215 (Cork to Mahon). These diesel-powered vehicles, also bodied by , have been integral to Bus Éireann's operations in southern , focusing on efficient service in areas with moderate traffic volumes while complying with national emissions regulations. Go-Ahead entered the market in 2018 under National Transport Authority contracts to replace select services, initially acquiring 50 B5TL units—some transferred from and others delivered new—for outer orbital and commuter routes. The operator has since grown its fleet to 72 units by 2025, incorporating transfers like three additional vehicles in 2022, and extended operations to Waterford for regional connectivity. These B5TLs have supported Go-Ahead's expansion amid 's BusConnects initiative, aligning with the National Transport Authority's 2023-2025 strategy for sustainable growth. Across operators, the B5TL's Euro 6 diesel powertrain has been prioritized for compliance with emerging low-emission zones in , where city council plans introduced ultra-low emission controls in 2024 to reduce urban . While primarily diesel, conducted hybrid trials on select double-deck routes in the late , though B5TL adoption remained focused on standard configurations; as of , retirements have been minimal, with ongoing integration into national plans like the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan for enhanced regional coverage.

References

  1. https://www.volvobuses.com/en/news/2012/sep/news-130570.html
  2. https://www.volvobuses.com/gb/news/2013/oct/news-144777.html
  3. https://www.volvobuses.com/gb/news/2014/mar/news-146828.html
  4. https://www.volvobuses.com/gb/news/2015/apr/news-149756.html
  5. https://www.volvobuses.com/gb/news/2020/feb/two-new-volvo-mcv-evosetis-for-bath-bus-company.html
  6. https://www.volvobuses.com/gb/news/2016/nov/euro-bus-expo-show.html
  7. https://cptdb.ca/wiki/index.php/Volvo_Buses_B5TL
  8. https://www.scribd.com/document/463374263/B5TL-brochure
  9. https://www.busandcoachbuyer.com/euro-bus-expo-2016-2/
  10. https://stpi.it.volvo.com/STPIFiles/Volvo/FactSheet/D5K240%2C%2520EU6SCR_Eng_01_1516474.pdf
  11. https://stpi.it.volvo.com/STPIFiles/Volvo/FactSheet/D5K240_Eng_02_337548995.pdf
  12. https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/lothian-buses-and-ecb-discussion.151391/page-112
  13. https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/ok-im-confused-on-body-and-chassis.117184/
  14. https://www.volvobuses.com/gb/news/2013/oct/news-144775.html
  15. https://www.busandcoachbuyer.com/mcv-unveils-evoseti-double-decker/
  16. https://mcv-uk.com/index.php/project/evoseti-provincial/
  17. https://www.scribd.com/document/95628154/8500-Range
  18. https://markelyons.co.uk/articles_270520.html
  19. https://www.buslistsontheweb.co.uk/statistics.asp?Listname=1018
  20. https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/bus-manufacturer-news-discussion.185467/page-43
  21. https://www.keybuses.com/article/year-mixed-fortunes
  22. https://www.facebook.com/groups/psvcircle/posts/25670554872536047/
  23. https://www.ukbuses.co.uk/fleet/glondon.pdf
  24. https://www.ukbuses.co.uk/fleet/stagecoachlondon.pdf
  25. https://www.ukbuses.co.uk/fleet/metroline.pdf
  26. https://bustimes.org/vehicles/gnel-6335
  27. https://www.volvobuses.com/gb/news/2017/oct/eyms-has-taken-delivery-of-12-new-volvo-b5tl-double-deck-buses.html
  28. https://www.mcv-uk.com/index.php/2017/02/08/east-yorkshire-motor-services-invests-3-5-million-with-volvo/
  29. https://www.keybuses.com/article/transdev-territory
  30. https://www.route-one.net/news/kleanbus-to-repower-18-lothian-b5tl-deckers-to-battery-electric/
  31. https://www.route-one.net/news/golden-tours-grows-equipmake-repower-work-with-10-volvo-b5tls/
  32. https://www.dublinbus.ie/getmedia/cadd426e-c8c1-4c42-8d47-79caf6746b9e/DB-Annual-Report-2015.pdf
  33. https://www.dublinbus.ie/getmedia/01b50c7a-7976-4989-abc7-c5a140a92533/Annual-Report-2016-English.pdf
  34. https://www.dublinbus.ie/getmedia/9f87e50e-7ee8-4aa1-995d-7bd5d4220a81/Bus-Atha-Cliath-2018-Annual-Report.pdf
  35. https://www.nationaltransport.ie/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/NTA-Statement-of-Strategy-2023-2025-EN.pdf
  36. https://www.newstalk.com/news/ultra-low-emission-zones-to-be-introduced-by-dublin-city-council-1790180
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