Volvo Buses will soon be launching its new hybrid bus in Europe, the Volvo 7700 Hybrid is scheduled for introduction coming September. Volvo claims it’s hybrid technology generates a fuel saving of up to 30%.

The environment, particularly climate change, is currently one of the world’s most important issues. We all have a responsibility to contribute to a solution to today’s and tomorrow’s problems. This is particularly so for those working in the transport industry.

Hybrid drivelines on our buses are an important step to reduce fuel consumption and, consequently, the emission of carbon dioxide. Hybrid technology has existed for a long time, but has not previously been commercially viable.

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 weights 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.