News from Volvo: Stockholm is set to demonstrate and evaluate how buses with electric power can contribute to better living conditions. This is part of ZeEUS, an EU project being conducted in six European countries. Starting this autumn, eight Volvo electric hybrid buses will enter regular operations in the city. The technology these buses use will offer significantly reduced energy consumption, lower exhaust emissions and less noise. Behind the demo project, which is co-financed by the EU, are Volvo Buses, SL (Stockholm Public Transport) and energy provider Vattenfall.
“A modern and extensive public transport system is essential in order to meet today’s 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,” says Christer Wennerholm, Traffic Commissioner and First Vice President of Stockholm County Council Executive Committee.
From this autumn for two years, eight Volvo electric hybrid buses will be put into regular operations on SL’s Route 73, which goes through the heart of central Stockholm.
Quiet and emission-free driving
The electric hybrid buses are equipped with an electric motor and a battery pack that is quick-charged at either end of the route. Charging takes about six minutes. With fully charged batteries the buses can cover seven of the route’s eight or so kilometres on electricity, driving quietly and with absolutely no exhaust emissions. Compared with conventional diesel buses, the electric hybrids have 75 per cent lower fuel consumption and thus also a similar reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. Climate impact is reduced still further since the buses run on biodiesel. With electricity consumption included, the total energy saving is about 60%.
EU project
The Stockholm field test is part of an EU project entitled ZeEUS (Zero Emission Urban Bus System), which pools the expertise of more than 40 participating companies and organisations. The primary aim of ZeEUS is to test and evaluate how electrically powered buses in cities can help reduce air pollution, climate impact and noise. Apart from Stockholm, ZeEUS involves a further seven European cities, including London, Barcelona and Bonn.
“Public transport based on electric hybrid buses is a cost-effective way of reducing several of the big city’s environmental problems. The solutions we are now developing create the necessary preconditions for both more attractive forms of travel and also better living conditions in city centres, without requiring major investments in new infrastructure. Electric hybrid buses and full-electric buses are tomorrow’s solution for urban public transport,” says Håkan Agnevall, President Volvo Buses.
“Vattenfall wants to actively contribute to the transport sector’s future solutions and our natural role is to provide electricity and charging services, as in this case. In this field test we want to showcase electrification’s ability to improve energy usage efficiency and promote a cleaner environment,” says Torbjörn Wahlborg, Senior Vice President of the Vattenfall Region.