Volvo Buses
UNITED KINGDOM & IRELAND
The introduction of the new single deck hybrid 7900H builds on the continued success of Volvo’s B5L double deck hybrid bus in the UK and Ireland.
“Operators have invested in our double deck bus and introducing the 7900H hybrid single deck is a natural progression for us as an organisation,” explained Volvo Bus Director, Phil Owen.
“We have successfully introduced a complete 9700 Volvo product to the coach market and we were keen to present operators with more variety in the bus sector. The 7900H is a complete Volvo vehicle built with a hybrid driveline – and that will appeal to operators.”
With an ever increasing demand for sustainable urban public transport solutions, the new 12.1 metre Volvo 7900H single deck bus offers a wider choice for UK operators and promises reliability and high performance, alongside fuel economy.
Adding to Volvo’s existing and popular citybus range, the new single deck 7900H hybrid bus features a driveline and vehicle layout almost identical to the popular B5L hybrid double deck bus. The offset layout of the driveline helps to achieve a lower gangway throughout the vehicle, making it more passenger friendly.
Taking advantage of the complete Volvo build, the hybrid battery and several of the systems and cooling circuits are roof-mounted. Not only does this increase internal space, but it also assists in optimising weight distribution.
Specified with a Volvo D5F 4.8 litre 4 cylinder engine, rated at 210 hp and supported by a Volvo Electric Motor, rated at 120 kW, with a Volvo I-Shift gearbox, the 7900H combines a number of proven Volvo systems together on one single deck bus.
The body framework of the 7900H is specifically designed to save weight and therefore reduce fuel consumption. Furtherstill, the aluminium alloy structure provides superior corrosion resistance and allows for the enhanced possibility of material recycle at vehicle end of life.
Pneumatically controlled, wide, inward gliding entrance doors promote ease of access, while a step-less low floor and a fully optimised internal space allows for 89 seated and standing passengers. This makes the 7900H an ideal solution for localised, green-friendly operator routes.
Travelling experience is further enhanced with silent boarding and take-off thanks to the hybrid engine’s ‘stop start’ feature, where the vehicle pulls away from the bus stop in pure electric mode. The 7900H also includes electronically controlled air suspension and smooth pneumatically controlled EBS 5 braking.
The ergonomic driver’s compartment shares the characteristics of the other Volvo vehicles in the citybus range enabling the driver to provide a safer, more customer friendly job. Onboard fault diagnostics, managed by the second generation bus electrical system BEA2 (Bus Electronic Architecture) also help to monitor and co-ordinate many of the vehicle’s functions.
Supported by Green Bus Funding in England and Scotland, orders totalling 39 vehicles have been placed for the 7900H, for delivery by March 2013. This includes an order for ten for Lothian Buses in Edinburugh.
“We’re delighted to officially launch the 7900H single deck hybrid bus at Euro Bus Expo 2012,” explained Steve Dewhurst, Volvo Bus UK Managing Director. “Volvo Bus has an ongoing commitment to innovation and the introduction of this new hybrid bus, to the UK and Ireland market, demonstrates how we are deploying the latest technology to provide operators with vehicle solutions that deliver lower emissions and enhanced fuel consumption.”
ENDS
06 November 2012
For further information, please contact:
Don Johnston, +44 (0) 1926 414553, don.johnston@volvo.com