Brazil expands electric bus trials and hybrid SUV launch

The city of Vitória in Brazil has begun operational tests of Volkswagen's e‑Volksbus electric bus on its public transport network. The 22‑metre, 82‑seat vehicle, built by Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus in Resende (RJ), will run on selected routes for several months to collect data on performance and feasibility. The model, equipped with a 280‑horse‑power electric motor, 285 kWh battery pack and a range of up to 250 km, is part of a broader rollout that has already seen trials in Salvador, Resende and São Paulo, where 100 units are in service and a total of 260 units have been sold nationwide.

At the same time, BYD introduced the Atto 8, a premium plug‑in hybrid SUV, to the Brazilian market. The seven‑seat vehicle measures 5.04 m in length, offers a 35.6 kWh Blade battery and a 1.5‑litre turbocharged engine paired with electric motors for a combined output of 488 hp and 675 Nm of torque. It can travel up to 111 km on electric power alone and up to 900 km in combined mode. The Atto 8 features a panoramic sunroof, leather interior, advanced driver‑assist systems, and a Vehicle‑to‑Load (VTOL) capability that allows the battery to power external equipment. BYD provides a six‑year or 200,000 km warranty for the vehicle and an eight‑year or 200,000 km warranty for the battery.