Volvo Buses is set to deliver 157 Volvo 7900 electric articulated buses to Transdev starting in 2020. With a capacity of 150 passengers, and a reported energy consumption of 80% lower than a similar diesel bus, they will operate on a number of routes in Gothenburg.
“It is immensely gratifying that we have secured Europe’s largest ever single order for electric buses. Volvo is a pioneer in electromobility and sustainable public transport. We have a holistic system perspective for cities that encompasses vehicles, services and charging infrastructure. We focus on solutions that offer high reliability and high service levels for route operators and passengers. This large order confirms that electric buses are already recognised as a sustainable and financially viable solution for demanding high-capacity public transport needs,” said Håkan Agnevall, President of Volvo Buses.
“Transdev is today Europe’s leading operator of electric buses and we know what challenges there are with the transition to electric propulsion. We’ve therefore been extremely thorough in choosing a partner with a holistic approach, a partner that will be able to deliver both buses and charging infrastructure on time and with excellent uptime. Being able to announce that we have chosen Volvo as our partner for city bus operations in Volvo’s home city of Gothenburg is of course particularly satisfying,” said Gunnar Schön, CEO of Transdev Sweden.
The buses will be charged at quick-charge stations along the route, using OppCharge charging infrastructure, in order to ensure the most efficient operation possible. In addition to the electric buses, the order includes a further 27 Euro VI buses for regional operations, running on biodiesel. “For us as a mobility supplier, it is vital to always be able to offer passengers good service and functional vehicles, but it is also important that our drivers have a good working climate. New buses, in particular quiet electric buses, not only result in cleaner cities – they also improve the everyday working environment,” explained Gunnar.
