Volvo Gets Its Biggest Electric Bus Order To Date
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Originally published on EV Obsession.
The city of Namur, Belgium, recently placed an order for 11 hybrid electric buses and 2 electric bus chargers with Volvo — marking the largest order to date for the company.
The 2 automated electric bus chargers ordered by the public transport authority and operator TEC will be supplied by ABB.
The order is intended as a turn-key solution, meaning that Volvo will be taking charge of bus servicing and charging station maintenance — for a fixed monthly price. The buses are expected to enter service in the city, located in southern Belgium, at the end of the year.
“Electric bus systems is a cost-efficient solutions for cities to reduce the problems of poor air quality and noise. Together with ABB, Volvo has a complete and competitive offer for cities around the world that want to switch to a sustainable public transport system,” stated Håkan Agnevall, President Volvo Buses.
“Every year the TEC Group transport more than 250 million passengers. Our social responsibility lies in developing transport solutions that are sustainable. This is done especially by improving the energy performance of our vehicle fleet. The Volvo 7900 Electric Hybrid meets our ambition. Thanks to its silent operation the quality of life for the citizens of Namur will be improved,” stated Vincent Peremans, CEO TEC Group.
The press release provides more:
Volvo’s 7900 Electric Hybrid operate quietly and free of emissions on renewable electricity for approximately seven kilometers. The batteries are fast-charged in just a few minutes at the end stops and also by the energy generated whenever the vehicle brakes. As a complement, the buses also have a small diesel engine, which increases reach and flexibility. Compared with conventional buses, the electric hybrids provide considerable environmental gains.
Here’s an overview of the buses that are being sold (Volvo 7900 Electric Hybrid):
- Can be powered by electricity for up to 70% of operating time.
- Quiet and exhaust-free when running on electricity.
- 60% lower energy consumption than a corresponding diesel bus.
- 75–90% lower emissions of carbon dioxide compared with a conventional diesel bus, depending on the fuel used.
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