ESTONIA Volvo Buses has delivered 20 7900 hybrid buses to Tallinna Linnatranspordi Ltd (TLT). More than 3,000 have been delivered around the world since 2010, 44 of them are now with TLT.
Volvo’s hybrid bus is propelled entirely electrically, is quiet and emission-free and travels up to 15-20 km/h. At higher speeds, it is powered by a small four-cylinder diesel engine that can operate under optimal conditions within a narrow rev band. The energy generated during engine braking is stored in the bus’ batteries and is used to power the vehicle’s electric motor and various auxiliary systems.
TLT Chairman of the Board, Enno Tamme said that most European cities have an objective to reduce car use by investing more in public transport. “It is important to improve public transport service by making it more available and comfortable,” he said. “Tallinn has achieved exponential growth in number of public transport users by free public transport, but we want to increase it even further and therefore will focus more on passenger comfort. New hybrid buses in our fleet will contribute to this aim.
“With 44 hybrid buses in our fleet, we are one of the top 10 hybrid bus cities in Europe. More than half of our bus fleet is Euro 5 or Euro 6 and after 50 new hybrid and diesel buses, the average age of our fleet will be 8.2 years. This number is impressive in all of Europe.”
Fredrik Röstad, Director Commercial Area East Europe Volvo Buses, took part of the official handover of the latest buses. He said: “Hybrid technology is an important solution for cities that want to reduce vehicle emissions. Volvo is a leader in hybrid technology and I am very glad that the city of Tallinn has chosen our high capacity hybrid buses for its public transport system.
“It is great to see that Tallinn is continuing their investment in hybrid technology and their journey towards environmentally friendly public transportation.
“Hybrid technology helps to reduce emissions and fuel consumption by up to 40% compared to similar Euro 6 diesel bus. That means cleaner and quieter Tallinn.
“We in Volvo have a firm belief that electro mobility is the future. With this order Tallinn is showing that they are not only following but leading the trend of electrified public transport in the region.”
