Volvo Buses announced it will deliver three Volvo plug-in hybrid buses to Hamburger Hochbahn AG. The plug-in hybrid buses will enter into traffic in Hamburg towards the end of the year.
Hamburger Hochbahn AG has for years been a successful and important partner of science and manufacturers in the field of ‘innovative drive technologies’. The company has now entered into a development partnership with Volvo Bus Corporation for plug-in hybrid buses, and will operate three vehicles on regular service routes in the hanseatic city from the end of the year.
The Volvo plug-in hybrid buses can travel up to 10 km using only electricity. The plug-in technology enables the reduction of fuel consumption and carbon dioxide by up to 75%, compared with current diesel buses. Charging stations at the respective termini of the routes provide for the necessary recharging. The required infrastructure at the termini will be developed and realised by Siemens, technical partner in the project.
The Volvo plug-in hybrid buses will be used on the new HOCHBAHN innovation route.
Volvo Buses has previously signed agreements regarding the implementation of electric hybrid buses or full electric buses with the cities of Gothenburg, Luxembourg, Montreal and Stockholm.
The Volvo plug-in hybrid bus:
• The bus is equipped with an electric motor which is powered by a lithium-ion battery. It also has a 5-liter Euro 6 diesel engine.
• Charging is done from electricity grids via a collector installed on the roof of the bus. Charging at the end station takes 6-10 minutes.
• The bus will run up to 10 km at a time on electricity only – silent and emission-free.