Volvo Bus subsidiary Nova Bus receives order for 475 hybrid buses from Québec, option for 1,200 more
12 February 2013
Volvo Buses’ North American subsidiary, Nova Bus, has received an order for 475 hybrid buses from ATUQ in Québec, Canada. ATUQ, is a consortium consisting of the province’s nine transit authorities. This is the single largest order for hybrid vehicles that the Volvo Group has signed to date. The buses are scheduled for delivery beginning of 2014.
Delivery of the 475 LFS HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) buses will start in 2014. The order also encompasses an option for a further 1,200 vehicles. Volvo Buses has so far delivered more than 1,600 hybrid buses worldwide.
The hybrid bus features a Cummins ISB 280 hp engine coupled with an Allison EP 40 electric drive system. The batteries are located on the roof of the bus and weigh approximately 900 lbs (400 kg).
As the vehicle accelerates from a stop, the electric drive predominates. Mechanical drive gradually blends with electric drive until the vehicle attains highway speeds; the drive then becomes purely mechanical.
Compared with conventional diesel-powered buses, the Nova LFS HEV offers approximately 30% lower fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. In parallel with the continued enhancement of hybrid technology, Nova Bus is working on the development of other environmentally optimized solutions such as plug-in hybrids and all-electric buses.
What is the MPG?
Posted by: Jus7tme | 12 February 2013 at 07:36 AM
ATUQ replaces an average of 300 to 400 city buses most every year.
MPG for city buses is very variable, from 3 to 9 mpg depending of the weather, outside temperature, route, load, traffic, driver humor and skill etc.
An average 30% reduction in fuel consumption would give an equivalent reduction in pollution created by city buses.
Future PHEV and BEV city buses will do much better. They should be out in greater number by 2015 and thereafter. Volvo's electric units will be out by 2016/2017.
Posted by: HarveyD | 12 February 2013 at 08:42 AM
The 2016/2017 Volvo electric city buses will use much lighter, rust resistant, longer lasting aluminum bodies, like those produced between 1936 and 1956.
Posted by: HarveyD | 12 February 2013 at 08:55 AM
driver humor and skill etc.
Harvey has been offended by a fat bus driver at one time, he has attitudes about both now.
Posted by: SJC | 13 February 2013 at 07:29 AM
Right on SJC.
I prefer polite lady bus drivers that I can trust not to cut me off. I'm rather afraid of fat unshaven union type he-man bus drivers.
Posted by: HarveyD | 14 February 2013 at 05:36 PM