Volvo to launch hybrid bus pilot scheme in India

Volvo 7900 Hybrid

Volvo Buses will begin a hybrid bus pilot scheme in the Indian city of Navi Mumbai as part of a government initiative to promote environmentally-friendly vehicles.

Volvo 7900 Hybrid

Volvo Buses, alongside the Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport (NMMT) authority, will introduce hybrid vehicle technology to the city and its surrounding areas in early 2016. The introduction coincides with the Indian government’s launch of an initiative, known as FAME India (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric vehicles in India), which aims to promote environmentally-friendly vehicles and offers incentives on electric and hybrid vehicles.

Hybrid bus pilot scheme part of FAME India initiative

Håkan Agnevall, President Volvo Buses, said: “Volvo has a leading position in hybrid technology and electromobility. Hybrid buses are an important solution for cities that want to reduce vehicle emissions. I am very proud that Volvo is the first bus manufacturer to introduce hybrid buses in India.”

Akash Passey, Senior Vice President of Region International Volvo Buses, added: “The unveiling of the first Volvo hybrid city bus in India is contextual given the impetus from the central government to popularize public transport, while supporting the adoption of clean technology. Volvo has played a key role in redefining urban commute for millions of passengers in Indian cities. Now, with the Volvo hybrid city bus we are confident of transforming the public transport landscape further, by inspiring more cities to adopt this solution.”

The Volvo hybrids will be manufactured in the company’s facility in Bangalore.

The Volvo hybrids offer a fuel consumption which is up to 39 percent lower than that of regular diesel buses, which in turn cuts carbon dioxide emissions by the same amount and nitrogen oxides and particles by 50 percent.