At the public-transport fair in Milan earlier this year, Volvo Buses unveiled one of the electric concept buses that have been in operation in Gothenburg since the summer. Now the company is taking a major step forward and presenting its new electric bus in commercial configuration, ready for the market.
“Today we’re passing yet another important milestone in our drive for future sustainable transport and a cleaner, quieter urban environment. We can now offer a complete product range enabling the creation of electrified bus systems. Solutions that make it possible for all cities everywhere to step into the future,” says Håkan Agnevall, President of Volvo Buses.
Quiet and exhaust-free 12-metre bus
The Volvo 7900 Electric runs quietly and without exhaust emissions, and is about 80 per cent more energy-efficient than a conventional diesel bus. Its lithium-ion batteries are charged both by the energy generated whenever the vehicle brakes, and also via the mains electricity network at the route’s end stops. Each charge via the mains takes three to six minutes*. Each minute of charging allows for 5-10 minutes of driving. The bus is designed for bus routes of 10-20 km.
Opportunity charging at end stops creates an electric bus infrastructure whose route length is unaffected by battery size. The two-axle, 12-metre long bus has an aluminium body, three doors, a low floor and a bright and airy interior.
Vehicles, servicing and recharging infrastructure
The Volvo 7900 Electric will primarily be marketed as a complete, turnkey solution that encompasses financing, vehicle servicing and battery maintenance. The recharging infrastructure will also be included in the package through Volvo’s cooperation with Siemens and ABB. Together with local partners, Volvo Buses can provide workshop services. Speed setting and other Zone Management features, depots services and traffic management is offered optionally.
Comprehensive range of electrified buses
With the launch of the Volvo 7900 Electric, Volvo Buses now offers a comprehensive range of electrified buses. In addition to the latest model this range includes the Volvo 7900 Hybrid (which is also available as an articulated bus) and the Volvo 7900 Electric Hybrid. All told Volvo has sold more than 2200 electrified buses since the company’s first hybrids were introduced in 2010.
The three electric concept buses from Volvo that are in regular operation in Gothenburg are part of ElectriCity, a joint venture in which industry, society and the research fraternity work together to develop tomorrow’s sustainable public transport.
Facts Volvo 7900 Electric
- New, all-electric two-axle 12-metre long city bus with low floor and three doors.
- 80 % lower energy consumption than a corresponding diesel bus.
- Quiet, emission-free operation.
- Equipped with an electric motor and lithium ion batteries.
- The batteries can be charged at the end stops, which takes three to six minutes.
- The opportunity charging concept means that route length is unaffected by battery size.
- Body manufactured in accordance with Volvo’s patented aluminium concept.
- Bright and airy interior.
- 85 passengers.
- Volvo’s ergonomic driver’s environment with individual adjustment of the instrument panel and steering wheel.
- Volvo disc brakes, Electronic Braking System (EBS), brake integration, hill start aid and more.
*Recharging time depends on topography, load and climate conditions.
Download
Download
