Volvo Bus is set to unveil the latest bus in its growing electromobility range, with the world premiere of the B5LHC Double Deck Electric Hybrid chassis at the Euro Bus Expo show in Birmingham, UK.
The Volvo B5LHC Double Deck builds on the success of the Volvo 7900 single deck Electric Hybrid bus launched in 2014. The Volvo B5LHC Electric Hybrid driveline is an extension of the well-proven technology used as standard in the Volvo B5LH Hybrid. The difference lies in a more powerful electric motor, increased capacity lithium ion battery rated at 19kWh and equipment for opportunity charging.
The new Volvo B5LHC has the ability to operate with zero tail pipe emissions in electric mode for around 7 kms between charging. This means less noise and cleaner air not only on the route but at bus stops and end terminuses. Once outside city centre zero emissions zones, the B5LHC has the ability to perform as an efficient hybrid vehicle, giving greater flexibility and operating range. Designed with regenerative braking, energy usually lost to braking is recovered to further enhance efficiencies and extend the electric range.
“The new Volvo B5LHC Electric Hybrid is an exciting addition to our city bus range, saving up to 75% in diesel fuel cost compared to an equivalent diesel double deck bus. C02, NOx and particulate emissions are also reduced in proportion, improving air quality and noise levels – something that will be increasingly required in our towns and cities”, said Managing Director of Volvo Bus in the UK & Ireland Nick Page.
“We already have a proven pedigree here in the UK with more than 1,500 Volvo hybrid double deck buses both in London and beyond, so this is another exciting step along the road to further emission-free operation, with all the environmental and societal benefits that this can bring.”
The Volvo double-deck electric hybrid shares the same conductive opportunity charging system, OppCharge, used on the full electric and electric hybrid vehicles, giving flexibility and interoperability for operators and local authorities. Charging is fully automated and takes between three and six minutes.
The new Volvo B5LHC is the latest product from the Volvo electromobility range to be released as part of the wider City Mobility strategy. Electromobility is the range of vehicles and solutions that can be used in modern smart city operations; the range includes Hybrid, Electric Hybrid and Full Electric vehicles along with connected services and maintenance packages tailored to the life of the transport system. City Mobility is the infrastructure and planning aspect of Volvo’s strategy to introduce ever more sustainable transport solutions. In all, Volvo has sold more than 2900 electromobility vehicles worldwide.
The launch vehicle – which has been built to Transport for London (TfL) specification and features a body from Wrightbus – is scheduled for evaluation in London during 2017. Certified with a passenger capacity of 87, the new Electric Hybrid Double Deck has 43 seats on the top deck with 17 seats in the lower saloon to a two-door specification.
The chassis specification includes Volvo I-Shift automated transmission, electrically controlled air suspension with kneeling function, electronically controlled disc brakes with brake blending and a spacious driver’s environment with Volvo dashboard.
