Volvo’s new electric bus is being tested in traffic in Gothenburg before its official premiere on June 15. The electric buses use less energy and offer many conveniences for riders.
By mid-June a new route will be served by three all-electric buses and seven electric hybrids, all from Volvo Buses. The buses have battery packs that can be quick-charged at their end terminals.
Energy consumption of the electric buses is about 80% lower than that of corresponding diesel buses.
Passenger desires were made part of design such as an extra-wide door opening with a low entry in the middle of the bus. A wide area is available for baby strollers or wheelchairs. There are electrical power oulets for passengers to recharge their cell phones. The bus features onboard Wi-Fi
There still remains some technological fine-tuning and driver training. Volvo’s new electric bus will also be shown at the large UITP public-transport show in Milan on June 8-10.
The bus features onboard Wi-Fi. Although the bus is just 10.7 metres long (more than a metre shorter than a conventional bus) it can carry up to 86 passengers. The central driver’s seat contributes to high passenger capacity.
The Volvo Buses range of electrified buses includes the previously launched Volvo 7900 Hybrid, and the Volvo 7900 Electric Hybrid. The new electric bus is a concept vehicle. Series production of all-electric Volvo buses is scheduled for 2017.
The new route is the result of a cooperative venture known as ElectriCity, which develops, demonstrates and evaluates innovative solutions for future sustainable public transport.