Volvo Introduces New Hybrid Bus - 10/15/08

There are not many hybrid buses on the streets, so Volvo believes this is a good time to introduce its new hybrid bus series.  The first in the lineup will be the 7700 model.  The hybrid bus will have 30% lower fuel consumption and will pay for itself in fuel savings in only 5 to 7 years.  The hybrid bus also produces 30 percent less CO2 emissions and 50% fewer particles and nitrogen oxides. 

Volvo has chosen to develop a parallel hybrid technology that can be used in buses as well as trucks and large construction equipment.  Volvo’s parallel hybrid technology is called I-SAM, which includes a start motor, electric motor, generator and an electronic control unit.  I-SAM works with the diesel engine and Volvo’s I-shift gearbox.  The lithium battery in the system is charged during braking.  The battery then provides energy to the electric motor for drive power.

The parallel hybrid is designed to power the bus by the electric motor or the diesel engine independently or simultaneously.  This allows the bus to use a smaller 5 liter engine instead of the 9 liter engine used in the diesel powered bus. 

With Volvo’s I-SAM hybrid technology the engine of the bus would be turned off at traffic lights.  When the bus starts moving again and reaches 15 to 10 kph the diesel engine starts up automatically. 

Deliveries for the new hybrid bus will start in 2010.

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