Volvo Buses launches its all-new electric hybrid bus, the Volvo 7900 Electric Hybrid. Its plug-in technology reduces fuel consumption and CO2 by up to 75%, compared to a conventional diesel bus. Total energy consumption is reduced by 60%.

“Electric-hybrid buses and full-electric buses are tomorrow’s solution for urban public transport. They will allow us to reduce energy consumption, air pollution, climate impact and noise, which are some of the biggest challenges facing large cities worldwide,” said Håkan Agnevall, President Volvo Bus Corporation.

Noise is a growing problem in many cities. The noise level beside an Electric Hybrid is 65 decibels, that is to say normal conversation level. The Volvo 7900 Electric Hybrid runs in electric mode on average 70% of the route, silent and emission-free.

The Volvo 7900 Electric Hybrid offers great flexibility in operation; it can run as an electric bus in selected areas, but performs as a hybrid on any route. Charging at end stations takes 6 minutes. The Volvo 7900 Electric Hybrid shares the technology of the well-proven Volvo 7900 Hybrid, securing high uptime and availability.

A number of European cities are showing a keen interest in Volvo’s Electric Hybrids. Hamburg, Luxembourg and Stockholm will implement the new bus system in 2014 and 2015. Series production is scheduled to start in early 2016.

The bus is equipped with an electric motor that is powered by lithium batteries. It also has a small diesel engine The bus is charged at charging stations via an overhead power connection. Recharging takes approximately 6 minutes at end stations. The bus can be driven about seven kilometres on electricity alone, covering the distance silently and entirely without exhaust emissionsEnables indoor bus stops