Volvo Buses launches new vehicles that are always on track to address the market demands.

As we enter the Volvo booth at IAA, a repeating “Thummmb” thunders through the hall, indicating the there is some incredible coming our way. Some 100 journalists have gathered on the stairs leading up to the Media Lounge of the Volvo booth at the IAA. As the lights dim, a countdown begins and the thundering increases, ending as Volvo’s management takes to the task of unveiling the latest innovations.

The launch
The Volvo 7900 Electric Hybrid was officially launched at the International IAA Commercial Vehicles show. Its plug-in
technology reduces fuel consumption and carbon dioxide by up to 75%, compared to a conventional diesel bus. Total energy consumption is reduced by 60% and charging at end stations takes only 6 minutes. The Volvo 7900 Electric Hybrid shares the technology of the well-proven Volvo 7900 Hybrid, securing high uptime and availability. Noise is a growing problem in many cities. The noise level beside an Electric Hybrid is 65 decibels, that is to say normal conversation level. The Volvo 7900 Electric Hybrid runs in electric mode on average 70% of the route, silent and emission-free.

Innovation at IAA
The new Volvo 7900 Articulated Hybrid was displayed at the International IAA Commercial Vehicles. The Volvo 7900 Articulated Hybrid bus has a capacity for 154 passengers and up to 30% lower fuel consumption than the current diesel model. The Volvo 7900 Articulated Hybrid bus is equipped with Volvo’s new five-liter 240 hp diesel engine. It is approved for Euro 6 norms and will generate extremely low emissions. The emissions of nitrogen oxide will decrease by 87% and particle emissions will reduce by 50% compared with Euro 5. The bus also has a newly developed efficient system for heating and ventilation.

Thanks to the location of the battery package near the central axle, the weight of the 18-meter bus will be evenly distributed, making it possible to increase the number of passengers. It is worthwhile mentioning that, while Volvo is forging ahead and quickly becoming a leader in electromobility, Volvo buses also offer a wide range of fuel efficient diesel buses.

Read the full article in our current issue of Asian Trucker Bus Special (Issue 2).