Volvo unveils new Electric Hybrid buses

Volvo will this week launch its new 7900 Electric Hybrid range of buses to help European cities slash public transport fuel emissions and reduce air pollution.


The new range will be unveiled at the International IAA Commercial Vehicles later on Thursday (25 September). The buses will incorporate plug-in technology which reduces fuel consumption and carbon dioxide by up to 75% compared to conventional a diesel bus, with total energy consumption being reduced by 60%.

Volvo Bus Corporation’s president Håkan Agnevall said: “I am very proud to launch this ground-breaking bus system. 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.”

Emission free

The Volvo 7900 Electric Hybrid can run in electric mode for an average of 70% of each route at a noise level of 65 decibels (normal conversation level) and without exhaust emissions. Charging at end stations takes approximately six minutes.

Three Volvo Electric Hybrids have run in a field test in Gothenburg over the past year and a number of European cities are showing interest in the new buses. Hamburg, Luxembourg and Stockholm will implement the new system in 2014 and 2015 with series production programmed to start in early 2016.

Volvo’s new hybrid: Key facts


  • 75% fuel saving 
  • 60% energy reduction 
  • 75% CO2 reduction 
  • Length: 12 m 
  • Height: 3580 mm 
  • Width: 2550 mm 
  • Passenger capacity: 95 
  • No. of seats, max: 32+1 (folded) 
  • Electrical motor: Volvo I-SAM, output: 150 kW, torque, max (Nm) 1200 
  • Gearbox: Volvo I-Shift 
  • Lithium-ion battery: voltage 600 V, capacity, total: 19 kWh

Here in the UK, edie recently reported that a further 400 London buses will be retrofitted with a new ‘catalytic reduction’ system, which will reduce emissions by up to 88%. It is not yet known whether London is among the European cities that have expressed an interest in Volvo’s new Hybrid Electric fleet.

Lois Vallely

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