Volvo Buses India has taken a lead
by introducing Volvo Hybrid City Bus in the country. Navi Mumbai becomes the
first ever city in India to adopt hybrid buses. This was announced on the
side-lines of the Make in India Week in Mumbai. Prime Minister of Sweden Stefan
Löfven handed over a symbolic key of the bus to Chief Minister of Maharashtra
Devendra Phadnavis at a ceremony organised in Mumbai on February 14, 2016.
Volvo Buses has received certification from the Automotive Research Association
of India (ARAI) for the Hybrid City Bus.
Volvo Buses is the first bus
manufacturer to commercially deploy the hybrid technology in India. Globally,
Volvo has pioneered the electromobility programme that includes electric
hybrid, plug-in electric hybrid and full electric buses for city commute
applications. With over 2,400 hybrid buses sold in more than 20 countries, the
operational viability of this technology has been proven with some customers
placing repeat orders. Through the entire electromobility programme, over 5,000
hybrid and full electric buses have been sold till date, which includes various
Volvo group bus brands.
The new Volvo 8400 Hybrid City Bus
The Volvo 8400 Hybrid City Bus
is a variant of the existing Volvo City Bus, nearly 1,500 units of which are
currently operating in 34 cities across India. This new Volvo 8400 Hybrid City
Bus has a parallel hybrid system, which comprises a 5-litre, 4-cylinder,
in-line diesel engine and an electric motor. The vehicle is propelled purely on
electric mode from the moment is starts till it gains required momentum. This
phenomenon happens at every stop & start during the operation cycle, which
results in significant fuel savings and reduction in emissions. The batteries
get charged during operations by the re-generative brake system.
One of the biggest benefits of
the hybrid technology is the reduction in noise levels – both inside and
outside the bus. This has direct impact on the overall experience for
passengers with lower NVH levels. The vehicle also has the Volvo I-Coaching, a
one-of-its-kind on-board driver training system that ensures the best
performance from the hybrid system. The telematics system with fleet and
vehicle management capabilities monitors & generates fuel reports, vehicle
health reports, specific battery usage and health monitoring feature.
This bus meets the Bus Body
Code and the Urban Bus specification norms. It is equipped with active, passive
and personal safety features. This include two fire extinguishers, hammers to
break the glass, long hammers to help break the glass from outside, internal
stop request and emergency stop request switches, external electric and
pneumatic door operating switches, fire suppression system in the engine hatch
area, etc.
Akash Passey, Senior Vice
President - Business Region International, Volvo Buses said, “This is a
significant development that the first hybrid bus being introduced in India is
a Volvo. Volvo Buses has played a pioneering role in the area of bus-based
public transport in many countries. From developing BRT related solutions, to
cleaner technologies, Volvo has always taken the initiative with the intent to
make a difference. The Volvo hybrid solution has a proven track record of
saving 30 to 35 percent fuel. The technology also enables up to 50 percent
reduction in hazardous emissions in actual customer operations . We are
confident that this initiative will spur demand from other cities in India for
Volvo’s hybrid mobility solutions.”
VRV Sriprasad, Business Head
for India & South Asia – Volvo Buses said, “This is yet another high point
in Volvo Buses’ India journey that spans over 14 years. I would like to thank
Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation for the confidence and trust imposed on
Volvo. Their initiative to take the first step to operate Volvo hybrid buses is
admirable. At Volvo Buses, we are led by our brand promise – Driving Quality of
Life. The introduction of the hybrid city bus is perhaps a pertinent expression
of this promise. We are actively engaging with many more city authorities to
promote this technology. Going forward, Volvo Buses will strengthen its
Electromobility programme in India.”
The FAME (Faster Adoption
& Manufacturing of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles) scheme of the Central
Government has provided a much needed impetus for Volvo to bring the hybrid
technology to the country. In 2012, at the Auto Expo, Volvo clearly articulated
that it had the capability and proof that hybrid technology can be deployed
commercially. The company awaited a clear direction from the Central Government
to help take the required steps to bring the electro-mobility programme to the
country. The latest development is a culmination of Volvo Buses’ vision for
public transport in India and proactive initiatives from the Indian Government.
Source: Volvo Buses India