“Since we introduced our first hybrid bus ten years ago, the technology has been continuously developed and refined. With today’s upgrade we are now taking yet another vital step towards expanding our customers’ possibility for harnessing the benefits of electric power while at the same time retaining the impressive flexibility offered by hybrid buses,” says Johnny Lidman, Product Manager for city buses at Volvo.
Opens the door to operating in zero-emission zones
Volvo’s hybrid buses can now be driven quietly, emission-free and energy-efficiently on electricity even before arriving at the bus stop, while at a standstill for boarding and exiting, and when leaving the bus stop. Electric propulsion can be used at speeds of up to 50 km/h, compared to the previous 20 km/h. Depending on the climate and the topography, the bus can run on electricity for up to one km at a time.
The upgrade of the hybrid also includes Volvo’s system for geofencing, Volvo Zone Management, which makes it possible for the operator to program the bus so it automatically switches to electric propulsion within selected areas and has its speed regulated without active braking. The upgrade encompasses both Volvo’s new and existing Euro 6 hybrid buses.
“Each individual city and bus route has its own specific prerequisites. In order to ensure an optimal transport solution, with the right vehicle performance, we always undertake thorough preparation together with our customers, including a detailed analysis of the intended route,” explains Johnny Lidman.
Facts about Volvo’s hybrid buses
Volvo’s hybrid buses are what is known as full-hybrids, which means that they run entirely free of emissions, on electric power, from start up to 50 km/h and also when the bus is at a standstill at the bus stop. In all other situations propulsion is handled by a small diesel engine. Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are up to 40 percent lower than for a comparable diesel bus.
Unlike plug-in hybrids and electric buses, Volvo’s hybrid buses require no charging infrastructure. The batteries are charged via the energy that is generated through brake energy recapturing. As a result, hybrid buses can be used on virtually any bus route both in urban areas and in the suburbs. In terms of capacity too, their flexibility is impressive. Volvo’s hybrid buses are available in conventional 12-metre configuration, as articulated buses and as double-deck buses.
Gothenburg October 17, 2019
For further information, please contact:
Joakim Kenndal, Manager Media Relations, Volvo Bus Corporation,
Phone +46 739-02 51 50 or e-mail joakim.kenndal@volvo.com
