Sales of Volvo hybrid buses passed yet another important milestone in the second quarter of this year. Volvo Buses has now sold more than 2000 hybrid buses in about twenty countries since their introduction in 2010. Fewer exhaust emissions, low energy consumption and quieter operation are appreciated by increasing numbers of cities the world over.

'With this ongoing success we are reinforcing our global lead in hybrid buses. Cities all over the world now regard electrified bus traffic as a cost-efficient way of reducing the problems of poor air quality and noise. Our solution makes travel more attractive and improves the environment without the need for large investments in new infrastructure.' says Håkan Agnevall, President and CEO Volvo Buses.

Among the newly added markets for Volvo’s hybrids are Denmark, Hungary and Poland. The largest single market is Great Britain. Colombia, Sweden, Germany, Brazil and Switzerland are other countries that have purchased large numbers of hybrid buses. Most of the models sold are two-axle buses, while just over 60 are articulated versions. The total sales figures include Volvo Buses’ new electric hybrid, which was launched in 2014 and has so far been introduced in Hamburg, Stockholm and Gothenburg. 

The Volvo Buses range of complete hybrid buses encompasses the two-axle Volvo 7900 Hybrid, Volvo 7900 Articulated Hybrid and Volvo 7900 Electric Hybrid. Chassis with Volvo hybrid drivelines also form the basis for British double deckers and high-capacity models in South America and other markets. In addition, Volvo offers holistic solutions encompassing maintenance of the entire bus, including batteries, at a fixed predetermined cost. 

June this year will see the start of regular operations using the first all-electric Volvo buses in Gothenburg. These buses are part of ElectriCity – a broad-based cooperative venture between the corporate sector, research institutes and public agencies on the development of new solutions for public transport.

'With our comprehensive range of electrified buses we meet a wide variety of customer needs. The way we see it, urban public transport will require a mix of hybrids, plug-in hybrids and full-electric buses. Full-electric buses are highly suitable in the city centres, electric hybrids are excellent for somewhat longer routes, and hybrids are perfect for feeder traffic bringing commuters into the city,' says Håkan Agnevall.

Facts 

Volvo 7900 Hybrid and Volvo 7900 Articulated Hybrid

The two-axle version offers up to 39 % lower fuel consumption than a corresponding diesel bus. Fuel consumption for the articulated model is about 30 % lower. 

• 40–50 % lower exhaust emissions. 
• Quiet and exhaust-free operation at bus stops. 
• Powered by electricity/diesel or biodiesel.
• The energy generated during engine braking is stored in the battery pack and used to power the electric motor. 
• The electric motor is used mainly for acceleration from standstill up to 15–20 km/h. 
• Equipped with an electric motor, batteries and a small diesel engine. 

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 consumption1  than a corresponding diesel bus.
• 75–90 % lower emissions of carbon dioxide1 compared with a conventional diesel bus, depending on the fuel used. 
• Powered by electricity/diesel or biodiesel.
• Equipped with an electric motor, batteries and a small diesel engine. 
• The batteries are recharged at the end terminals in just six minutes.