The new chassis – which shares a high degree of commonality with the current Volvo 7900e – is being developed as a modular chassis concept, providing a platform for both single and double deck options.
It will be the latest product from the Volvo Electromobility range to be released as part of the wider City Mobility and Electromobility strategy. Electromobility is the range of vehicles and solutions that can be used in modern smart city operation; the range includes Hybrid, Electric Hybrid and Full Electric vehicles along with connected services and maintenance packages tailored to the life of the transport system.
City Mobility is the infrastructure and planning aspect of Volvo’s strategy to introduce ever more sustainable transport solutions.
The announcement continues the momentum of Electromobility in the UK. Earlier this year, eight Volvo 7900e full electric single deck buses were delivered to Transdev Blazefield, as part of an exciting project in the town of Harrogate.
Working in close partnership with a number of key stakeholders, three pantograph charging stations have been installed at Harrogate bus station as part of the project.
In addition, an extensive demonstration programme over a 12-month period has seen a full electric 7900e, supported by a mobile charging infrastructure, in operational service in Manchester, Kent, Liverpool, Heathrow Airport and Cardiff.
This important programme has provided invaluable operating data and customer and passenger feedback across a range of routes and operating conditions, as well as testing the zone management capability of the vehicle.
The new electric chassis under development will include the ability to specify a number of battery pack options to suit individual operational requirements together with combination charging (opportunity and overnight) to provide maximum flexibility regarding range and charging requirements.
Working with lead body building partner MCV, the single and double deck body options are under development and will meet both TfL specification requirements and incorporate full electric heating.
A demonstrator is due in the second quarter of 2020, with the chassis expected to be fully market ready by 2021.
Speaking ahead of the Euro Bus Expo show, Volvo Bus UK Managing Director Nick Page said: “We continue to have a very positive response to our current generation full electric single deck bus the 7900e, with some exciting project news in the pipeline. The development of the new modular chassis further extends our possibilities and will allow us to progressively develop our Electromobility footprint in the UK and Ireland.
ENDS
30 October 2018
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