Volvo Buses showcased their hybrid bus the Volvo 7700 Hybrid at the Auto Expo 2012 in New Delhi. This bus has been in operation in 20 cities across the world after its production began in May 2010. It has seen savings of up to 37 per cent in fuel costs and over 50 per cent reduction in hazardous emissions.
Present at the launch of its new range of multi-faceted coaches at the 2012 Auto Expo was Akash Passey, Managing Director & CEO, Volvo Buses in South Asia, who said, “The Volvo Hybrid is very much the solution cities & environmentalists have asked for. We are ready. All we await is the demand & the direction from the authorities, so that we can apply this solution specifically to Indian needs. The Volvo 7700 Hybrid has been unveiled to showcase our intent and readiness for India.”
The Volvo 7700 Hybrid has a small diesel engine and an electric motor, which can be used either independently or jointly. The battery that drives the electric motor is charger through re-generative braking. Just like the start/stop technology seen in larger executive sedans for conserving fuel, the diesel engine in the 7700 also switches off completely, which also helps create a silent and exhaust-free environment at bus stops.
Another distinct feature of this clean environment friendly new age passenger coach from Volvo is that it isn’t only efficient in highly congested city traffic, but functions equally well when there is a greater distance between bus stops
