From June 30 to July 9 of this year, two Volvo 7900 Electric buses were tested on the streets of Wrocław. Passengers were able to ride them for free on a special demonstration line A1.
During the tests in Wrocław, two 10.7-meter concept buses were presented. They feature one pair of wide double doors, and the driver’s station is positioned in the center. These buses have been part of public transport in Gothenburg for a year, where, along with Volvo hybrid-electric buses, they operate as part of the ElectriCity project on the innovative line 55 connecting two university campuses.
In Wrocław, the electric buses operated from Thursday, June 30, to Saturday, July 9, between 8:00 AM and 10:00 PM, on a route from the University to gate no. 2 at Volvo, passing through, among others, Bema Square, Grunwaldzki Square, Szczytnicki Park, and Sępolno. The buses were driven by MPK Wrocław drivers. Battery charging took place at a charging station located at the Volvo factory in Wrocław after each trip along the designated route.
Quiet and emission-free bus
The new Volvo 7900 Electric is quiet and emission-free, and about 80 percent more energy-efficient than comparable diesel buses. The vehicle is equipped with lithium-ion batteries that charge during every braking maneuver and via power sources available at terminal stops. Charging via a power source takes between three and six minutes. The bus is designed for routes 10-20 kilometers long. The ability to charge at terminal stops allows for the creation of bus infrastructure that is not dependent on battery capacity. The bus features an aluminum body, three pairs of doors, is low-floor, and its interior is bright and spacious.
Comprehensive range of electrified buses
The electric Volvo 7900 Electric bus, in a 12-meter commercial version for series production, was presented in the fall of 2015 at the bus trade fair in Kortrijk, Belgium. Series production at the Volvo factory in Wrocław will begin in 2017.
Volvo Buses offers a complete fleet of electrified buses. In addition to the latest Volvo 7900 Electric model, the range includes the Volvo 7900 Hybrid (also available in an articulated version) and the electric Volvo 7900 Electric Hybrid. Since the launch of the first hybrids in 2010, Volvo has sold a total of over 2,200 electrified buses.
Information about the Volvo 7900 Electric
• New, fully electric, two-axle, low-floor 10.7-meter bus with one pair of wide double doors and a 12-meter city bus with three pairs of doors.
• Energy consumption 80% lower than a comparable diesel bus.
• Quiet, emission-free operation.
• Vehicle equipped with an electric motor and lithium-ion batteries.
• Battery charging at terminal stops takes between three and six minutes.
• The ability to charge batteries makes the bus route length independent of battery capacity.
• Aluminum body manufactured according to a concept patented by Volvo.
• Bright and spacious interior.
• 78 – 85 passengers depending on the bus length.
• Driver ergonomics thanks to individual settings of the dashboard and steering wheel.
• Volvo brakes, electronic braking system (EBS), integrated braking system, hill start assist, and much more.
Information about ElectriCity
ElectriCity is a joint venture between the city of Gothenburg, research units, and industry, which develops, tests, and presents new, attractive solutions for sustainable public transport of the future. Part of it is the innovative city line no. 55 in Gothenburg, which is served by three electric Volvo concept buses and seven electric Volvo hybrids. In addition to working on buses, ElectriCity develops and tests new stop systems, traffic management systems, safety concepts, and energy delivery systems.
On the occasion of the electric bus tests in Wrocław, Volvo, together with MPK, announced a photo contest for passengers. More information is available at www.pasażer.mpk.wroc.pl