Two major new products from Volvo at Busworld, Kortrijk
Volvo will be exhibiting two major new products at Busworld, Kortrijk: It’s Dynamic Steering stabilisation system and the 7900 Electric, its first series produced electric bus under its own brand.
Volvo Dynamic Steering (VDS) is currently being integrated into several of Volvo’s coach models. The system enables substantially better directional stability, comfort and safety and reduces the risk of drivers incurring occupational injuries.
VDS automatically compensates for uneven road surfaces, eliminating vibration and steering kicks. When driving at low speeds, steering wheel inertia is reduced by around 75%, which also makes reversing easier. The system also facilitates steering, with the wheel automatically returning to centre when the driver’s grip is loosened somewhat. At high speeds, the bus maintains consistent direction, even on poor road surfaces.
Busworld Kortrijk also marks the global unveiling of the Volvo 7900 Electric, Volvo Buses’ first mass-produced city bus powered exclusively by electricity. Quiet and emission free, the model is around 80% more energy-efficient than a conventional diesel bus. Its batteries are charged through the energy generated during engine braking, as well as at bus stops via the power grid. A battery charge via the power grid takes less than six minutes, corresponding to around 10km of driving.
The launch means Volvo Buses now boasts a comprehensive range of electrified buses. The Volvo 7900 Electric joins the Volvo 7900 Hybrid (also available as an articulated bus) and the Volvo 7900 Electric Hybrid. In total, Volvo has sold in excess of 2,200 electrified buses since the introduction of its hybrid models in 2010.
