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McDermotts Coaches give Volvo B5L S-Charge hybrid the tick of approval

While serving in the areas around Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain, McDermott’s Coaches has relied on Volvo’s hybrid buses to operate sustainably

Following the 2019 introduction of Volvo B5L S-Charge Hybrid model into the McDermott’s Coaches fleet, Volvo Bus Australia says these hybrid units have received positive feedback for their efficiency and reliability running in Cradle Mountain, Tasmania.

Three years on from the introduction of the four Volvo B5L S-Charge Hybrids into McDermott’s Coaches’ Tasmanian fleet, managing director Simon McDermott says the hybrid vehicles have been a big step in the right direction for electrifying McDermott’s fleet and protecting the world heritage site of Cradle Mountain.

“It was wonderful being the first operator in Tasmania to introduce these hybrid vehicles,” McDermott says.

“It was easy implementing Volvo’s Hybrids. After purchasing them, they just went straight into service without the need for any charging infrastructure. It was also great having Volvo’s Environmental Zoning set up which has made such a difference, in allowing the Hybrids to run in electric mode when operating inside Cradle Mountain national park.”

With Cradle Mountain being one of Tasmania’s most visited and protected natural attractions, it has been a priority for McDermott’s to minimise its environmental footprint. Being the state’s largest transport provider specialising in tours and charters, McDermott’s acknowledges that Volvo’s Hybrids have played a major role in facilitating environmentally friendly transport.

Volvo’s integrated Zone Management technology has allowed McDermott’s to implement designated Environmental Zones, where the Volvo B5L S-Charge product automatically switches to full electric drive mode, allowing a quiet and emission free zone without the need for driver intervention.


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McDermott’s implementation of Volvo’s Zone Management technology in the Volvo B5L S-Charge units has enabled C02 emission reductions by up to 42 per cent and allowed for an additional 2 litres of fuel savings per 100km on top of the existing fuel savings with the hybrid units.

The Volvo B5L S-Charge is powered by a Volvo D5K Euro 6 engine – a modern powertrain, combined with the parallel hybrid electric motor.

These hybrid benefits have been key factors in the success of the Volvo B5L S-Charge in Cradle Mountain, with McDermott recognising the important role these hybrids will play in the future of transport.

“I think hybrid will play a key role in the transition to electric. As much as we’ve progressed with e-mobility we have a bit of a way to go to make it an even mix,” McDermott says.

“Hybrid is the first step we’ve taken at McDermott’s and it’s a great and easy option to implement without any infrastructure or a huge amount of investment.”

McDermott also accredited much of the success of the Volvo Hybrids to the team at Volvo Bus Australia for its aftersales support and dedication to servicing McDermott’s Coaches.

“Volvo has been fantastic. From now and well into the future, I will continue to purchase Volvo vehicles because of the support from Sam Compasso and the rest of the Volvo team. No matter the issue, the team always look after me,” McDermott says.

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