Volvo
7900 Electric Bus
When
Volvo Buses participates in the Busworld exhibition in Kortrijk, Belgium in
October 2015, the company unveiled the Volvo 7900 Electric, Volvo’s first
series-produced electric bus under its own brand.
The
electric model is around 80% more energy-efficient than a conventional diesel
bus. The bus’s batteries are charged through the energy generated during engine
braking, as well as at bus stops via the power grid. A battery charge via the
power grid takes maximum 6 minutes, corresponding to around 10 km of driving.
The Volvo 7900 is available in a 12 m design.
The
launch means Volvo Buses now boasts a comprehensive range of electrified buses.
The Volvo 7900 Electric joins stablemates the Volvo 7900 Hybrid (also available
as an articulated bus) and the Volvo 7900 Electric Hybrid. In total, Volvo has
sold in excess of 2,200 electrified buses since the introduction of its hybrid
models in 2010.
Volvo
Buses will also showcase Volvo Dynamic Steering (VDS), which is currently being
integrated into several of Volvo’s coach models. The system enables
substantially better directional stability, comfort and safety and reduces the
risk of drivers incurring occupational injuries. VDS has been a feature of
Volvo’s trucks since 2013.
VDS
automatically compensates for uneven road surfaces, eliminating vibration and
steering kicks. When driving at low speeds, steering wheel inertia is reduced
by around 75%, which also makes reversing easier. The system also facilitates
steering, with the wheel automatically returning to centre when the driver’s
grip is loosened somewhat. At high speeds, the bus maintains consistent
direction, even on poor road surfaces.
