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Gothenburg launches first electric bus route

Posted: 15 June 2015 | Katie Sadler, Digital Content Producer, Intelligent Transport

The Swedish city of Gothenburg has launched its first electric bus route powered by renewable energy. The new Volvo electric buses will begin service on the city’s route 55 powered by renewable electricity from wind power and hydropower. Volvo has provided the bus route with three completely electrically driven buses and seven electric hybrid buses. […]

Worldwide alternative energy bus sales continue to rise

The Swedish city of Gothenburg has launched its first electric bus route powered by renewable energy.

Gothenburg launches first electric bus route

The new Volvo electric buses will begin service on the city’s route 55 powered by renewable electricity from wind power and hydropower. Volvo has provided the bus route with three completely electrically driven buses and seven electric hybrid buses. The vehicles are equipped with battery packs that can be quick-charged at their end terminals, making energy consumption 80 percent lower than that of corresponding diesel buses.

Gothenburg launches first electric bus route

The electric bus route, from Chalmers Johanneberg to Chalmers Lindholmen via Gothenburg City, was established through ElectriCity, a collaboration that develops tests and demonstrates new, attractive sustainable collective transport for the future. In addition to the buses, ElectriCity develops and tests new bus stop systems, traffic management systems, safety concepts and energy supply systems.

The electric buses will provide on board recharging points and wi-fi for passengers as well as extra-wide door openings, low entry access in the middle of the bus and a flat floor for child buggies and wheelchairs.

Gothenburg launches first electric bus route

 Niklas Gustafsson, Chief Sustainability Officer for Volvo Group commented: “The Volvo Group aims to be the world leader in sustainable transport solutions. A unique collaboration in Gothenburg enables us to launch the electric bus route here and remain a leader in the development of future public transport.”

Anneli Hulthén, Chair of the City Executive in Gothenburg added: “ElectriCity and route 55 are concrete proof of how Gothenburg is being developed into a denser, more sustainable and open city with attractive public spaces and a rich urban life. The project also demonstrates our ambition and strategy to attract expertise and investment that help reduce environmental impact and develop collaboration between authorities, industry and academia.”

It is hoped that the introduction of electric buses via ElectriCity will promote the use of public transport and pave the way for other transport solutions in the Västra Götaland region.

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