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.
