Volvo Buses
UNITED KINGDOM & IRELAND
Launched in 2024, the 12.6m Volvo B8R MCV eVoTor is Volvo’s most affordable full-size coach, combining excellent fuel efficiency and reliability with a package offering great passenger comfort. These credentials made it the perfect choice for the customer, which will be deploying one example on a dedicated service running between Stornoway and Ness, whilst the second vehicle will be used for private hire, school contracts and to support visiting cruise ships – a major source of island tourism between late spring and early autumn.
Roddy Macdonald, Managing Director of Lochs Motor Transport, says: “We wanted two new coaches which would serve as all-rounders for the fleet, and that’s precisely what we are getting with the eVoTors. They are designed to be workhorses, and they look fantastic too.
“Passenger safety, versatility and fuel-efficiency are all priorities for us. Whilst the two coaches will spend most of their time on the islands, we know we can put them on the ferry at a moment’s notice, and be confident they’ll do a great job taking people onto the mainland too.”
Both Volvo B8R MCV eVoTors will be serviced and maintained in-house, supported by a supply of Genuine Volvo Parts from the closest mainland dealer, Volvo Truck and Bus Centre North & Scotland.
Macdonald explains: “When you’re based on an island like we are, it makes sense to handle most maintenance work yourself, and we’ve built up our workshop skills accordingly. For parts, we can get pretty much anything we need from Volvo on a next-day basis. The local dealership in Inverness is our go-to supplier, but if they don’t have something on the shelf, we can usually get it from either of the two Volvo dealerpoints in Glasgow. Together, they look after us well.”
Neil Ritchie, Regional Account Manager for Volvo Buses UK & Ireland, says: “We’ve built a great relationship with Lochs Motor Transport over many years, so when they approached us about adding a pair of new B8R MCV eVoTor coaches to the fleet, we knew they’d be perfect for the fleet.
“Choosing a new coach is a major investment for any operator – but when you're based on a remote island, it’s critical to select a chassis and body combination you can trust without hesitation.”
Both B8R MCV eVoTors benefit from 53 reclining seats, each with a seat back table, magazine net, footrest, and individual USB charging port, plus there’s a centre-sunken toilet for passenger convenience.
Power is provided by Volvo’s D8K engine, which produces up to 350 hp and a peak torque of 1,585 Nm. This is driven through a 12-speed I-Shift automated transmission, combining smooth and precise gearshifts with high average speeds and outstanding driveability – perfect for the diverse terrain encountered on the islands.
Established in 1947, Lochs Motor Transport is a family-run business with approaching 80 years’ experience of operating across the North of Scotland. A longstanding Volvo Buses customer, its mixed fleet includes Volvo B8RLE MCV eVoRa buses and next year will be joined by one of the first Volvo B13R UNVI XL coaches in the country.