Volvo Buses has sold over 2,000 hybrid buses in about 20 countries since it introduced them in 2010, the Swedish manufacturer announced.
Håkan Agnevall, president of Volvo Buses, said the buses are growing popular worldwide as the move towards greener transport becomes stronger. “Cities all over the world now regard electrified bus traffic as a cost-efficient way of reducing the problems of poor air quality and noise. Our solution makes travel more attractive and improves the environment without the need for large investments in new infrastructure.”
The largest market for the hybrid buses is Great Britain, while Colombia, Sweden, Germany, Brazil and Switzerland have also purchased large numbers of hybrid buses. The hybrid buses have also entered markets like Denmark, Hungary and Poland, Volvo Buses said.
“The way we see it, urban public transport will require a mix of hybrids, plug-in hybrids and full-electric buses. Full-electric buses are highly suitable in the city centres, electric hybrids are excellent for somewhat longer routes, and hybrids are perfect for feeder traffic bringing commuters into the city,” Agnevall says.
The Volvo Buses range of complete hybrid buses includes the two-axle Volvo 7900 Hybrid, Volvo 7900 Articulated Hybrid and Volvo 7900 Electric Hybrid, launched last year at the IAA Commercial Vehicles Show in Germany.
The two-axle Volvo 7900 hybrid consumes 39% less fuel than a corresponding diesel bus, while the articulated model offers about 30% less fuel consumption. Both models offer 40-50% lower exhaust emissions and are powered by electricity/diesel or biodiesel.
Meanwhile, the Volvo 7900 electric hybrid can run on electricity for up to 70% of its operating time, and offers 60% lower energy consumption than a corresponding diesel bus. Depending on the fuel used, it also emits 75-90% less carbon dioxide than a conventional diesel counterpart. It is equipped with a small diesel engine, electric motor and batteries, which can be recharged at the end terminals in just six minutes.
This June will also see the first all-electric Volvo buses beginning regular operations in Gothenburg, Sweden, where the Volvo Group is headquartered.
