Volvo has received an order for 11 electric hybrid buses and 2 electric bus chargers to the city of Namur in Belgium. The chargers will be supplied by ABB. This is the largest order to date for the company’s electric bus system.
Many cities are introducing electric bus systems as a means to solve the problems of poor air quality and noise. Namur in southern Belgium, with public transport authority and operator TEC, is now buying 11 electric hybrids and 2 automated bus chargers from Volvo. ABB will supply the chargers.
TEC buys the bus system as a turn-key solution. This means that Volvo takes full responsibility for vehicle servicing, battery maintenance as well as maintenance of the standard-based charging stations for a fixed monthly cost. Traffic start is planned towards the end of 2016.
Volvo’s 7900 Electric Hybrid operate quietly and free of emissions on renewable electricity for approximately seven kilometers. The batteries are fast-charged in just a few minutes at the end stops and also by the energy generated whenever the vehicle brakes. As a complement, the buses also have a small diesel engine, which increases reach and flexibility.
Compared with conventional buses, the electric hybrids provide considerable environmental gains. The total energy consumption is 60 percent lower.
Volvo 7900 Electric Hybrid
· Can be powered by electricity for up to 70 % of operating time.
· Quiet and exhaust-free when running on electricity.
· 60 % lower energy consumption than a corresponding diesel bus.
· 75–90 % lower emissions of carbon dioxide1 compared with a conventional diesel bus, depending on the fuel used.
· Equipped with an electric motor, batteries and a small diesel engine
· The batteries are recharged at the end terminals in a few minutes.
ABB bus chargers
· Easy to integrate into existing bus lines (inverted pantograph enables use of a low-cost and low weight interface on roof of the bus)
· Modular design offering charging power of 150 kW, 300 kW or 450 kW
· ABB’s proven suite of connectivity features enables maximum availability, high uptime and fast service response.
· Based on IEC 61851-23, the international standard for fast charging of electric vehicles ensuring the appropriate safety systems are in place, the electrical design is in accordance with regulations, and the systems architecture and working principle are supported by wider automotive community in future.
