Press release

Nolan Coaches doubles Volvo B8R MCV eVoTor lineup

2026-02-24

Following the strong performance of its current Volvo B8R MCV eVoTor coaches, Dublin-based Nolan Coaches has kicked off 2026 by doubling its eVoTor fleet with the delivery of a further three examples. The new arrivals secure the customer’s position as the largest operator of B8R MCV eVoTor models in Ireland

Dublin-based Nolan Coaches has taken delivery of three Volvo B8R MCV eVoTors.

Now with six eVoTors in its 65-strong fleet, the new vehicles will be used to support further expansion of Nolan Coaches’ tour and private hire operations. Selected for their reliability and versatile configuration, the vehicles have also prompted an order for the operator’s first two B8RLE MCV eVoRa buses, due in the second half of 2026.

Garrett O’Toole, Chief Executive Officer for Nolan Coaches, says: “We like to update our fleet regularly to ensure our passengers have the best possible experience. The feedback we get from customers on the B8R MCV eVoTor coaches is consistently positive, and our drivers love them too. In addition to the product quality, we continue to choose Volvo because of the strong aftersales support we receive from Irish Commercials in Santry.”

The eVoTors will operate across a wide range of routes including ferry shuttles, airport transfers, golf tours, school trips, sightseeing, and other private hire. In peak season, the coaches will be on the road for up to seven days a week, travelling more than 120,000 km annually.

The 12.6m PSVAR-compliant model is designed with 53 high-quality seats and a centre-sunken toilet. Each seat benefits from a seat back table, magazine net, footrest and USB charging port for passenger comfort and convenience. It also features full-length overhead luggage racks and a generous 9m³ luggage compartment.

Designed for enhanced fuel efficiency, the B8R chassis features Volvo’s proven D8K engine, which produces up to 350 hp and a peak torque of 1,585 Nm – which has proven perfect for operations across the country. Driven through a 12-speed I-Shift automated transmission, this allows for smooth gear shifts and high average speeds.

The new Volvo B8R MCV eVoTors secure the customer’s position as the largest operator of B8R MCV eVoTor models in Ireland.

Diarmaid Thompson, Regional Account Manager for Volvo Bus UK & Ireland, says: “Demand for the B8R MCV eVoTor has really taken off in Ireland. Nolan Coaches was the first to put this new model into service in 2024, and they’ve just kept coming back for more.

“At 12.6m in length, this is a full-size coach which really packs some punch at this price-point. The B8R chassis and driveline is perfectly suited to delivering fantastic fuel efficiency, and paired with the stylish MCV eVoTor bodywork, it offers exceptional reliability and value for fleets. From the outset we billed it as a workhorse, and it hasn’t disappointed.”

The two new 12.1m B8RLE MCV eVoRa buses scheduled for delivery later in the year will feature 43 high backed moquette seats with three-point seatbelts and USB charging points, with three tip up seats in the wheelchair area taking total seated capacity to 46. Each will be powered by the same D8K engine, this time rated to 320 hp and delivering peak torque of up to 1,200 Nm. This six-cylinder in-line engine is driven through a ZF automatic transmission, which is designed to make driving easier, safer and more energy-efficient.

All of Nolan Coaches’ Volvo-supplied vehicles are supported in service by local dealer Irish Commercials, which is located just 3km from Dublin Airport and only a short distance from Nolan Coaches’ headquarters in Clonshaugh.

Founded in the 1940s, Nolan Coaches is a family-owned business with over three generations of experience. The company provides coach and bus hire services across Ireland, with two depots and more than 100 employees, guaranteeing convenience and reliability for its customers.

Warwick

23 February 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