Sweden / Belgium – Busworld Europe in Brussels, Belgium last month was host to the premiere of a new 7900 model articulated electric bus by Volvo Bus Corporation of Gothenburg, Sweden. Available in lengths of 18m or 18.7m, it offers space for up to 150 passengers claims to have an energy consumption 80% lower than a corresponding diesel bus. Its construction specification can be configured to meet the specific requirements of different cities and operators. Volvo Bus stated the bus and infrastructure can be provided at ZERO COST, as it can provide the vehicles and infrastructure as part of a turnkey solution at a fixed, predetermined cost per kilometre leaving no upfront capital cost for the operator, thereby removing the investment risk for the operator – contracts can include service, repairs, battery maintenance and driver training.

Onboard battery capacity can be varied to suit route requirements and vehicles can be charged overnight via Combo2/CCS depot chargers or quick charging OppCharge systems along the route. The bus features four double doors for rapid boarding or alighting, uncluttered floor areas, ergonomically designed handrails and grab-handles and Volvo-designed seats. It can also be specified with Volvo Dynamic Steering, Safety Zone Management, which automatically prevents specified speed limits from being exceeded, and Pedestrian & Cyclist Detection System, which alerts the driver to risk of collision.