Volvo has received the largest order to date for the company’s electric bus system. The order is for eleven electric
hybrid buses and two electric bus chargers in the city of Namur in
Belgium. The chargers will be supplied by ABB.
Local operator TEC will purchase the bus
system as a turn-key operation. This means that Volvo takes full
responsibility for vehicle servicing, battery maintenance as well as
maintenance of the standard-based charging stations for a fixed monthly
cost. The buses are expected to enter service towards the end of 2016.
Håkan Agnevall, President of Volvo Buses said “Electric bus systems are a cost-efficient
solution for cities to reduce the problems of poor air quality and
noise. Together with ABB, Volvo has a complete and competitive offer for
cities around the world that want to switch to a sustainable public
transport system,”
Volvo’s 7900 Electric Hybrid operate quietly and
free of emissions on renewable electricity for approximately seven
kilometers. The batteries are fast-charged in just a few minutes at the
end of each route and also by the energy generated whenever the vehicle brakes. The buses also have a small diesel engine, which
increases reach and flexibility.
The ABB bus chargers are easy to integrate into existing bus routes. The vehicle pantograph makes use of low-cost and low weight materials on roof of the bus. The modular design offers charging power of 150 kW, 300 kW or 450 kW. ABB’s proven suite of connectivity features enables maximum availability and fast service response.
Volvo claims.The bus can be powered by electricity for up to
70 % of operating time, running quiet and exhaust-free in this mode. The
CO2 emission is 75–90 % lower compared with a conventional diesel bus,
and depending on the fuel used. The vehicle is equipped with an electric
motor, batteries and a small diesel engine. The batteries are recharged
at the end terminals in a few minutes.
Based on IEC 61851-23, the international standard
for fast charging of electric vehicles ensuring the appropriate safety
systems are in place, the electrical design is in accordance with
regulations, and the systems architecture and working principle are
supported by wider automotive community in future.
Main manufacturers of electric vehicles, Irizar, Solaris, VDL and Volvo have all agreed to a common operating system to ensure the interoperability of electric buses with charging infrastructure provided by ABB, Heliox and Siemens.
Main manufacturers of electric vehicles, Irizar, Solaris, VDL and Volvo have all agreed to a common operating system to ensure the interoperability of electric buses with charging infrastructure provided by ABB, Heliox and Siemens.
