Volvo will officially launch its 7900 Electric Hybrid transit bus, a plug-in version of the company’s proven 7900 Hybrid, at the International IAA Commercial Vehicles show in September.

The 7900, which is available in both rigid-bodied and articulated versions, offers fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions up to 75% lower than a legacy diesel bus. Total energy consumption is reduced by 60%, according to Volvo, which verified the figures in a recent field test in Gothenburg.

Noise levels are also reduced: only 65 decibels, or about the level of a normal conversation.

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The Volvo 7900 Electric Hybrid runs in electric mode for 70% of a route on average, and the operator can choose to run in electric mode in selected areas. Charging at end stations takes six minutes.

Hamburg, Luxembourg and Stockholm have already placed orders for the new buses. Serial production is scheduled to begin early in 2016.           

Source: Volvo