Volvo Buses’ launch of its hybrid bus this autumn signals a generation shift. With a hybrid solution that is largely based on standard products and with fuel savings of 20-30%, customers will relatively quickly earn payback on the extra cost for the bus. The technology also lowers the exhaust emissions and noise levels substantially.

The Volvo 7700 is the first hybrid model to roll out. It is a 12-meter low-floor city bus. Volvo Buses has chosen to develop a parallel hybrid where all components are Volvo components. The bus has a smaller, 5-liter diesel engine and as a result, the entire driveline fits in the same space as in a diesel-powered Volvo 7700. The hybrid bus weighs largely the same as a diesel-driven bus, but has a better weight distribution, meaning that the hybrid bus can take more passengers than today’s diesel bus.