With sales of electrified buses totalling 4,250 units, Volvo and its North American subsidiary Nova Bus have a world-leading position in the field of electromobility. The most recent product to be unveiled is an all-electric model from Nova Bus.
“At Volvo we are proud to be a global leader in this development. As one of the largest manufacturers of buses and coaches in the world, we have a responsibility to society. And we truly believe we can make a difference as pioneers of the global development of sustainable transports,” said Håkan Agnevall, President Volvo Buses.
Volvo has so far sold just over 3,300 hybrids, electric hybrids and all-electric buses under its own brand. Its subsidiary Nova Bus accounts for another 950 hybrid buses. Early this year Volvo recorded its largest single order ever for electric hybrid buses, 90 units, for the cities of Namur and Charleroi in Belgium. The most recent product development is a new, electrically powered 40 foot (12.2 m) bus – the Nova Bus LFSe – which is on display at UITP. The first three of these buses will soon enter operation in Montreal.
Just as with Volvo’s electric buses and electric hybrids, the batteries in the Nova Bus LFSe are rapid-charged with the help of a pantograph, via charging infrastructure installed in the bus roof. A charge of 3-6 minutes is sufficient for approximately 15 km of operation. The charging station is based on the common interface – OppCharge – that Volvo has developed together with companies such as Siemens and ABB, making it possible for electric buses of all makes to use the same charging station. The Volvo stand also has an OppCharge station on display.
A delegation of over 50 members of the Association of State Road Transport Undertakings (ASRTU) is participating in UITP Montreal.
‘We are extremely happy to participate in UITP Montreal given the event’s focus on promoting integration, sustainability and modernity in public transport. There is a consensus among all stakeholders that electro mobility is the future of public transport in India. Policy makers are currently laying out a technological and financial roadmap for the sustainable adoption of electro mobility. Volvo’s global experience with electro mobility will certainly help accelerate India’s journey in this domain,’ shared Ananda Rao, Executive Director, Association of State Road Transport Undertakings.
