Volvo is celebrating a major global milestone after seeing delivery of its 2000th hybrid bus since they were introduced in 2010, and Brisbane City Council has recently taken delivery of its first Volvo Hybrid. Joining those already in operation in Adelaide and Perth, Brisbane’s acquisition of Volvo’s hybrid highlights the bid to propel its reputation as a sustainable city.
“With this on-going success we are reinforcing our global lead in hybrid buses. 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.” says Håkan Agnevall, President and CEO Volvo Buses.
Compared to a conventional diesel bus, the hybrid utilises energy otherwise wasted during braking and the stored energy is used to charge a battery, enabling the bus to run in electric mode, saving fuel.
The Volvo B5RLEH hybrid chassis uses a parallel hybrid system combining the electric and diesel engine. This assists the vehicle when the battery is low or when extra power is needed for acceleration.
Among the newly added markets for Volvo’s hybrids are Denmark, Hungary and Poland. The largest single market is Great Britain. Colombia, Sweden, Germany, Brazil and Switzerland are other countries that have purchased large numbers of hybrid buses. Most of the models sold are two-axle buses, while just over 60 are articulated versions. The total sales figures include Volvo Buses’ new electric hybrid, which was launched in 2014 and has so far been introduced in Hamburg, Stockholm and Gothenburg.
June this year will see the start of regular operations using the first all-electric Volvo buses in Gothenburg. These buses are part of ElectriCity – a broad-based cooperative venture between the corporate sector, research institutes and public agencies on the development of new solutions for public transport.
“With our comprehensive range of electrified buses we meet a wide variety of customer needs. 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,” says Håkan Agnevall.
