To be supplied to Transdev Sweden, all of the buses will be of the recently launched 7900 Volvo Electric Articulated model that can carry 150 passengers with an energy consumption that is 80% lower than that of a corresponding diesel bus
Volvo Buses has received the largest single order for electric buses in Europe. As informed through a press release, the company will deliver 157 electric articulated buses to Transdev Sweden starting in 2020. 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. “It is immensely gratifying that we have secured Europe’s largest-ever single order for electric buses – no less than 157 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,” said Håkan Agnevall, President, Volvo Buses.
“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,” he added. “Transdev Sweden is Europe’s leading operator of electric buses and we know what challenges there are with the transition to electric propulsion. We have 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 Buses as our partner for city bus operations in their home city of Gothenburg is of course particularly satisfying,” said Gunnar Schön, CEO, Transdev Sweden.
All of the buses will be of the recently launched 7900 Volvo Electric Articulated model. The Volvo Electric Articulated can carry 150 passengers with an energy consumption that is 80% lower than that of a corresponding diesel bus. The Volvo Electric Articulated combines high passenger capacity with low operating costs. The buses will be charged at quick-charge stations along the route, using the industry common charging interface OppCharge™ in order to ensure the most efficient operation possible. In addition to the electric buses, the order includes 27 Euro VI 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,” elaborated Schön. “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. Volvo Buses 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,” Agnevall stated.