SWEDEN
Stockholm is set to demonstrate and evaluate quick-charge hybrid buses.
The eight Volvo 7900H single-deckers will be fast charged in six minutes at either end of their route, and are able to run for part of their journey on electricity alone. The vehicles also have a small diesel engine on board which kicks in when required.
The trial is part of ZeEUS (Zero Emission Urban Bus System), an EU project being conducted in six European countries. Behind the demo project, which is co-financed by the EU, are Volvo Buses, SL (Stockholm Public Transport) and energy provider Vattenfall. The quick charge stations are provided by Siemens.
Starting this autumn, the buses will enter regular operations for Keolis in the city on route 73, which travels through the heart of Stockholm, where they will remain in service until the end of 2016. After this, the aim is for the vehicles to continue as part of regular commercial operations.
Christer G Wennerholm, Traffic Commissioner and First Vice President of Stockholm County Council Executive Committee, said: “A modern and extensive public transport system is essential in order to meet today and tomorrow’s environmental and sustainability targets. It is extremely gratifying that we now have the opportunity, as part of SL’s regular operations, to try out the very latest technology for further reducing our already low environmental impact.”
The ZeEUS project is coordinated by the International Association of Public Transport, UITP. ZeEUS is jointly funded by the European Commission within the 7th Research and Technological Development Framework Programme, Mobility & Transport Directorate General.
