VOLVO has received the largest single order for electric buses in Europe - 157 articulated e-buses to be delivered to Transdev Sweden, starting in 2020, it’s reported recently.
According to the company, the buses will operate on a number of routes in Gothenburg, Sweden. With their introduction, emissions and noise will be significantly reduced, and the electric buses will be able to operate in sensitive areas or zones with special restrictions, the company states.
“It is immensely gratifying that we have secured Europe’s largest ever single order for electric buses – no less than 157 buses,” said Håkan Agnevall, president of Volvo Buses.
“Volvo is a pioneer in electro-mobility and sustainable public transport. We have a holistic system perspective for cities that encompasses vehicles, services and charging infrastructure. We focus on solutions that offer high reliability and high service levels for route operators and passengers.
“This large order confirms that electric buses are already recognised as a sustainable and financially viable solution for demanding high-capacity public transport needs,” Agnevall explained.
PROPULSION TRANSITION
“Transdev is today Europe’s leading operator of electric buses and we know what challenges there are with the transition to electric propulsion,” said Gunnar Schön, CEO of Transdev Sweden.
“We’ve therefore been extremely thorough in choosing a partner with a holistic approach, a partner that will be able to deliver both buses and charging infrastructure on time and with excellent uptime.
“Being able to announce that we have chosen Volvo as our partner for city bus operations in Volvo’s home city of Gothenburg is, of course, particularly satisfying,” Schön said.
All of the buses will be of the recently launched 7900 Volvo electric articulated model, the company confirms.
The Volvo electric articulated can carry 150 passengers with an energy consumption that is 80 per cent lower than that of a corresponding diesel bus, it’s claimed. It combines high passenger capacity with low operating costs, Volvo says.
The buses will be charged at quick-charge stations along the route – using the industry-common charging interface OppChargeTM – in order to ensure the most efficient operation possible.
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BIO BUSES
In addition to the electric buses, the order includes 27 Euro 6 buses for regional operations, running on biodiesel.
“For us as a mobility supplier, it is vital to always be able to offer passengers good service and functional vehicles, but it is also important that our drivers have a good working climate. New buses, in particular quiet electric buses, not only result in cleaner cities – they also improve the everyday working environment,” explained Schön.
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“Electro-mobility creates new, exciting opportunities for urban planning since we now get emission-free and quiet public transport that can operate closer to the city’s residents,” added Agnevall.
“Volvo aims to be a leader in increased electrification and to be a partner for cities that wish to implement long-term sustainable public transport solutions for their inhabitants,” he concluded.
Photography: courtesy Volvo Europe