Volvo Putting 475 Hybrid Buses On the Road in Quebec

It may not be as exciting as their 2000 HP hybrid electric dragster, but it’s probably better for the planet Earth and the city of Montreal’s air quality that Volvo will be putting 475 hybrid-diesel buses to work by the end of 2014.

The huge order may only be the tip of the iceberg for Volvo’s hybrid bus presence in Canada, however. The initial delivery of 475 buses will be distributed through Quebec’s nine transportation authorities, but the Canadian province has an option on up to 1200. In addition, the fuel-efficient, low-emission diesel hybrid buses are being sold in Europe and South America, with tests currently active in Brazil and Mexico City and similar hardware underpinning London’s famous double-decker buses, as well. The Volvo people movers are said to get about 30 percent better fuel economy than comparable diesel vehicles.

Volvo Buses Receives Order for 475 Hybrid Buses from Quebec

Volvo Buses’ North American subsidiary, Nova Bus, has received an order for 475 hybrid buses from Quebec in Canada. This is the single largest order for hybrid vehicles that the Volvo Group has ever signed to date. The buses are scheduled for delivery beginning of 2014.

With a total of more than 1600 delivered hybrid buses Volvo Buses is the world leader in the fast-expanding market for hybrid buses. Now the company’s North American subsidiary, city bus manufacturer Nova Bus, has received an order for 475 hybrid buses from the province of Quebec in Canada. This largest-ever single order for hybrid vehicles confirms Volvo Buses’ position both in North America and globally. Delivery of the 475 LFS HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) buses will start in 2014. The order also encompasses an option for a further 1200 vehicles.

Long-term cooperation The customer, ATUQ, is a consortium consisting of the province’s nine transit authorities.”This order underlines the strong relationship ATUQ and Nova Bus have developed over the years,” said Jean-Pierre Baracat, President of Nova Bus. “ATUQ has renewed its confidence in our vehicles once again, and we are glad to continue to work together to further enhance transit services in our communities.”

Environmentally optimised technology Compared with conventional diesel-powered buses, the Nova LFS HEV offers approximately 30% lower fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. In parallel with the continued enhancement of hybrid technology, Nova Bus is working on the development of other environmentally optimised solutions such as plug-in hybrids and all-electric buses.

“One important part of Nova Bus’ vision is to be a leader in green efficiency and electro-mobility. We believe that lower-emissions buses help meet urban challenges such as congestion and improve quality of life,” says Stefan Tilk, President Business region Americas,Volvo Buses.

Volvo Bus Corporation is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of large buses and coaches. The range comprises complete vehicles, chassis, bus bodies, transport system solutions for metropolitan traffic, leasing, financing and service contract maintenance. Volvo Bus Corporation is part of the Volvo Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of trucks, buses and construction equipment and drive systems for marine and industrial applications. The Group also provides complete solutions for financing and service.

Source: Volvo