Volvo Rolls Big with Hybrid Buses, Notches 3,000 Units Sold
Volvo is going big in hybrid buses and has now sold 3000 hybrids, electric hybrids and electric buses to customers in 22 countries in Europe, South America, Asia and Australia.
The company first introduced hybrid buses in 2010 and since then sales have increased steadily.
At the same time, the product range has undergone continuous development and expansion. Today Volvo offers comprehensive system solutions for electrified public transport with hybrid buses, electric hybrids, and all-electric buses. The hybrid models are available in conventional 12-metre configuration, as articulated models, and as double-deckers.
In 2016, Volvo sold 533 electrified buses, encompassing hybrids, electric hybrids and all-electric buses.
Regenerative power plays a big role. The batteries are charged during engine braking and the bus requires no external recharging infrastructure. The company claims that this approach is up to “39 per cent more energy-efficient than a corresponding diesel bus.”
The electric hybrids are propelled by electricity for most of their route. They are equipped with batteries, an electric motor and a small diesel engine. The batteries are charged both during engine braking and through fast-acting Opportunity Charging at either end of the bus route. Up to 60 per cent more energy-efficient than a corresponding diesel bus.
The electric buses are powered entirely by electricity. These buses feature a powerful battery pack and an electric motor. The batteries are charged during engine braking and through fast-acting Opportunity Charging at either end of the bus route. Up to 80 per cent more energy-efficient than a corresponding diesel bus.
The largest single market for Volvo’s hybrid buses thus far is the UK, which accounts for almost half (1 425) of the total of 3000 sales. Other major markets are Colombia (468), Sweden (196), Spain (137), Germany (135), Switzerland (129) and Norway (109). Over the past two years, demand for Volvo hybrid buses has also increased in eastern Europe, with a healthy sales trend in Estonia (44) and Poland (48).
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