The Volvo 7900 PHEV may be the world’s most perfect bus. Designed to operate in nearly silent electric mode 70% of the time, it uses 60% less energy and produces 75% fewer carbon dioxide emissions than a conventional diesel powered bus. And it’s 600 volt lithium ion battery pack can be recharged in under 6 minutes via a roof mounted pantograph. In theory, it could make indoor bus stops possible, which would encourage more commuters to ride the bus and leave their cars at home.
The 7900 PHEV is a close cousin to the current Volvo 7900 Hybrid but features a more powerful motor that grunts out 850 lb-ft of torque and larger 19 kWh battery. The motor is coupled to a 240 hp 4 cylinder diesel engine that adds another 600 lb-ft of torque. To make full electric operation possible, a DC/DC inverter steps down the 600 volts stored in the on board battery pack to 24 volts for the electric steering, electric air compressor for the brakes and electric air conditioning system.
Volvo will officially introduce its 7900 PHEV at the International Auto Show for Commercial Vehicles in Hannover, Germany on September 25. It has already signed contracts with several European cities for the first deliveries. Hamburg, Luxembourg and Stockholm will implement the new bus system in 2014 and 2015. Series production is scheduled to start in early 2016.
Source: http://cleantechnica.com/2014/09/25/volvo-plug-hybrid-bus-ready-roll/
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