Having completed years of field testing, Volvo Buses is now commencing series production of its hybrid bus models 7700 Hybrid and B5L Hybrid.  These buses reduce fuel consumption by up to 35% of their all-diesel counterparts.

The 12-meter (36 foot) Volvo 7700 Hybrid is being built at the company’s Wroclaw, Poland plant with the chassis coming from Boras, Sweden.  The double-decker B5L Hybrid is being built at the Wrightbus plant in Northern Ireland with the chassis also coming from Sweden.

These buses use a smaller diesel engine and use a series-parallel hybrid system and regenerative braking.  When the bus slows to a stop at a bus stop, the engine shuts off and all-electric power is used to operate the bus for short distances at low speeds with the engine starting again when needed.  This reduces not only engine noise, but also emissions while waiting to load or unload at stops or while at stop signs and lights.

The buses will be sold throughout Europe, but no plans were announced for North America.

Related posts:

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2. Volvo developing a plug-in hybrid bus
3. Santa Rosa CA Gets 7 Diesel Electric Hybrid Buses