Volvo hybrid buses continues to support electro-mobility
Volvo Buses has received a major order for hybrid buses to operate in Brussels. The order for the 128 new buses was placed by STIB-MIVB, which provides public transport in the Belgian capital. In addition to the buses, the order encompasses servicing and maintenance for the vehicles and batteries.
The Volvo 7900 Hybrid is propelled entirely by electricity, quietly and emission-free from standstill up to 20 km/h. At higher speeds a small diesel engine is automatically activated. The bus’s batteries are charged via the energy recovered during braking, so no charging infrastructure is required. Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are 25–40 per cent lower than for a corresponding diesel bus. Particle and nitrogen oxide emissions are 50 per cent lower.
The purchase of the 128 Volvo 7900 Hybrid buses takes place within the framework of an agreement that was awarded to Volvo Buses by STIB-MIVB in 2018. Since then, Volvo has delivered 110 hybrid buses for the Brussels public transport network. The first batch of vehicles is equipped with access to Volvo Buses’ fleet management system. The new batch of 128 buses will be delivered in 2021. The aim is for the city’s entire vehicle fleet is to consist of electrified vehicles, by 2035 at the latest.