Volvo plug-in hybrid bus with B?sbaar rapid charging to begin field testing in Gothenburg

Volvo Buses’ new plug-in hybrid buses will begin field tests in Gothenburg, Sweden this month. Volvo Buses has already sold more than 1,000 of its conventional hybrid units; the plug-in version will facilitate the reduction of fuel consumption and carbon dioxide by 75 to 80%, compared with current diesel buses, the company said.

The plug-in hybrids are based on the Volvo 7900 Hybrid, Volvo Buses’ second series-produced hybrid bus model. The plug-in hybrids have been further developed, and enable rapid recharging from electricity grids via the Opbrid B?sbaar pantograph on the roof.

An electronic control module regulates engagement and disengagement of electric and diesel power, as well as gear-changing modes and recharging of the Li-ion battery. The close-ratio Volvo I-Shift automated transmission has software that is optimized for city and commuter traffic.

The 4-cylinder, 5-liter Volvo D5F diesel engine produces 215 bhp and is installed vertically in the left rear corner. The conventional hybrid offers up to 37% fuel savings compared to a diesel version and 40-50% lower exhaust emissions.

The plug-in versions have a larger battery pack, making it possible to drive up to 7 km using electricity only—about 70% of the route distance. The batteries are charged at the bus terminus via the B?sbaar for between six and ten minutes.

The purpose of the field test is to study and verify the anticipated reductions in energy consumption and emissions, as well as to compile information from drivers, passengers and surrounding residents about their views on the properties of the bus.

Volvo Buses expect to be able to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide by up to 90% by using biodiesel instead of standard, fossil diesel oil in the combustion engine.

Volvo Buses expects to commence commercial manufacturing of plug-in hybrids in a couple of years, and the technology is now to be tested in the three buses that will be put into service in Gothenburg. A demonstration project has also been planned for 2014 involving eight plug-in hybrids in Stockholm.

“In recent years, sales of Volvo Buses’ hybrid buses have tripled for each year and we believe the market for electromobility will continue to expand rapidly,” says Håkan Karlsson, President of Volvo Bus Corporation. “Accordingly, the Volvo Group is investing in this area, making it possible for cities to realize their visions of more eco-friendly and attractive transportation.”