Public transports are one of the major contributors towards air and noise pollution of metropolises around the world. So, there have been numerous experiments undertaken in recent years to create viable electrical transport systems for the public. The metro train network has been electrified in many cases as it is much easier to do so. The rails can be a source of power and thus, the train itself doesn’t have to hold any power bank. Keeping in mind the developments in the electric-based transport network, Volvo has started a bus service in Gothenburg, Sweden.
In the case of road based transport, things get difficult because the buses have to carry the battery along with the electronic systems needed to power the vehicle properly. Regardless, there have been many attempts in making these buses a success at the public circuits. Electric trams and golf buggies have been in use for recreational activities for a long time, but only in the recent years, we have seen fully functional electric buses. The BYD K9 from China is a very promising coach that has been tested and order by many countries in the world. Beijing also used pure electric buses for transporting athletes during the 2008 Summer Olympics. South Korea’s Gangnam district has hundreds of electric buses in operation, making it the first fully operational transport system in the world. Now Volvo has entered the emerging transport field.
According to Volvo, the new buses will have 80 percent less energy consumption than their diesel counterparts. These buses are a part of the ElectriCity scheme that aims to study and develop sustainable electric transportation in the country. It has designated certain routes that will only have electric and hybrid buses in the inventory.
The bus is 35 feet long and can carry up to 86 passengers. This incredible passenger number has been widely attributed to adequate seating plan with the driver occupying a more central position. The buses will have power sockets for charging phones and other gadgets. It will also have a free wi-fi service throughout. The passenger input also helped in the design of the bus and Volvo looks forward to developing a good model with valuable input from the commuters.
The buses are undergoing final testing prior to being launched in June this year.
