olvo Buses, the Indian subsidiary of Swedish automobile major Volvo, handed over its first low-floor hybrid bus to Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) on Sunday. Navi Mumbai had placed an order of five such buses with Volvo, making it India’s first city to adopt hybrid buses for public transport.
Volvo’s hybrid buses run on diesel as well as an electric motor and battery. These hybrids, manufactured in India, are 40-50 per cent more expensive than Volvo’s regular bus fleet, but consume up to 35 per cent less diesel, and also produces significantly lower emission.
On the sidelines of the Make In India Week in Mumbai, Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven handed over a symbolic key of the bus to Maharashtra Chief Minister, Devendra Phadnavis. Officials said Volvo hybrids are certified by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI).
Volvo Buses said it is the first bus manufacturer to commercially deploy the hybrid technology in India. Company officials said there is a huge potential for hybrid buses in India but could not quantify the number of buses they could sell in the future.
“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,” Volvo buses said in a statement.
Akash Passey, senior vice-president, business region international, Volvo Buses, said, “The technology 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, “After the introduction of the hybrid city bus in Navi Mumbai, we are actively engaging with more city authorities to promote this technology.”
The vehicle is propelled purely on electric mode from the moment is starts till it gains the required momentum. This phenomenon happens at every stop and start during the operation cycle, which results in significant fuel savings and reduction in emissions. The batteries get charged during operations by the regenerative brake system.
One of the biggest benefits of the hybrid technology, Volvo said, is the reduction in noise levels, both inside and outside the bus.
Volvo Busses also signed MoUs with Thane Municipal Corporation and Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation to develop city mobility solutions through its experience worldwide for sustainability in city transportation.
At present, Volvo Buses supports cities in Sweden, Germany, and Canada in managing sustainable public transport solutions.
