Volvo Buses has unveiled a concept electric bus as part of the public transport system in Gothenburg, Sweden, with the Swedish manufacturer revealing the vehicles may be rolled out in the Middle East if the test run proves successful.
The concept bus is silent and emission-free and runs on electricity generated by renewable energy. The batteries are quickly recharged with renewable electricity at the terminal stops. The Gothenburg buses are also equipped with on-board Wi-Fi and phone charging facilities.
“The Volvo Group aims to be the world leader in sustainable transport solutions and already offers a range of advanced models designed to minimise their environmental impact,” says Steve Hedouin, vice president Volvo Bus Corporation Middle East and Africa.
“When it comes to infrastructure development, the countries of the Middle East are among the most forward-thinking and proactive. They are leaders when it comes to introducing the latest, state-of-the-art public transport systems, so we are actively looking at opportunities to bring models such as this electric bus to the region in the future.”
While Volvo Buses already markets a range of electrified buses, including the Volvo 7900 Hybrid, which has been a major commercial success with more than 2000 units sold, and the Volvo 7900 Electric Hybrid, this first completely electrically driven bus is currently a concept vehicle.
Measuring 10.7 metres long, it can carry up to 86 passengers, while its energy consumption is about 80 percent lower than that of corresponding diesel buses.
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