Volvo to launch new Electric Articulated Bus at Busworld

Volvo Buses is launching a new electrically-powered articulated bus that can carry up to 150 passengers and with 80% lower energy consumption compared to a corresponding diesel bus.

With the Volvo 7900 Electric Articulated, Volvo Buses is making it attractive to electrify even high-frequency bus routes with large numbers of passengers.

The Volvo 7900 Electric Articulated combines high passenger capacity with low running costs. In order to meet the specific requirements of different cities and operators, the bus has a flexible construction and can be optimised to suit varying needs.

“In order to make it as simple as possible for our customers to take the step into an electrified future, the Volvo 7900 Electric Articulated is available as a turnkey solution at a fixed, predetermined cost per kilometre. We ensure that the operator always has a bus ready for the road, without the need to purchase it. Servicing, repairs, battery maintenance and driver training are all included,” explained Håkan Agnevall.

Volvo Buses can also take care of the entire project management, from route simulation and analysis to implementation of charging infrastructure.

The Volvo 7900 Electric Articulated is available in two lengths, 18 and 18.7 m. The number of batteries can be varied to provide the exact energy storage capacity needed for each vehicle. Charging can take place either via quick-charge stations along the route (OppCharge) or via the main grid when the bus is parked in the depot (Combo2/CCS). From the performance viewpoint the Volvo 7900 Electric Articulated has been developed to provide first-class driveability even on demanding uphill gradients and it can handle a fully loaded start on a 20 degree uphill slope.

The Volvo 7900 Electric Articulated has been designed to boost swift passenger movement and to give passengers a quiet and comfortable ride. The bus features four double doors, large uncluttered floor areas and ergonomically designed handrails and grab-handles, as well as Volvo-designed seats.

The cab gives the driver a commanding view of surrounding traffic and a comfortable driving position. The low noise level reduces the risk of tiredness and distraction. A high-capacity climate unit ensures a pleasant temperature for passengers and driver alike. The Volvo 7900 Electric Articulated can be equipped with Volvo Dynamic Steering, which significantly eases the driver's work and reduces strain on the shoulders, arms and back.

The Volvo 7900 Electric Articulated is engineered to be able to be driven in defined zones with particularly strict demands concerning noise, exhaust emissions and speed, such as zero-emission zones in urban centres and indoor bus stops. In order to further enhance safety for unprotected road users, the bus can be equipped with Safety Zone Management, which automatically prevents specified speed limits from being exceeded, and Pedestrian & Cyclist Detection System, which alerts the driver if there is a risk of collision with pedestrians or cyclists.

Volvo's Electric Articulated bus is powered by a dual electric motors with two-speed transmission having a maximum power output of 2×200 kW and a maximum torque of 31 kNm at the driven axle. The Lithium-ion batteries sport an energy storage capacity of up to 396 kWh.

Volvo's hybrid buses have also been upgraded. They can now drive silently and emission-free on electricity at higher speeds and cover longre distances than before. This creates new possibilities for operators to use hybrid buses even in zero-emission zones in city centres and other sensitive areas. The upgrade is available for Volvo Buses' full range of new Euro 6 hybrid buses.

Electric propulsion can be used at speeds of up to 50 km/h, compared to the previous 20 km/h. Depending on the climate and the topography, the bus can run on electricity for up to one km at a time. The upgrade of the hybrid also includes Volvo's system for geofencing, Volvo Zone Management, which makes it possible for the operator to programme the bus so it automatically switches to electric propulsion within selected areas and has its speed regulated without active braking. The upgrade encompasses both Volvo's new and existing Euro 6 hybrid buses.

Unlike plug-in hybrids and electric buses, Volvo's hybrid buses require no charging infrastructure. The batteries are charged via the energy that is generated through brake energy recapturing. As a result, hybrid buses can be used on virtually any bus route both in urban areas and in the suburbs.