Mumbai Takes Step Towards Eco-friendly Public Transport with 1st Volvo Hybrid Bus
Published On Mar 15, 2016
On Sunday, February 14th, Mumbai became the first city in India to embrace Hybrid buses into its public transport system. The Municipal Corporation of Navi Mumbai received its first low-floor Hybrid bus from Volvo Buses. Several dignitaries were present at the event as the chief minister of Maharastra Mr. Devendra Phadnavis, received a symbolic key from the prime minister of Sweden Mr. Stefen Lofven.
Volvo Hybrid buses are being locally manufactured in India and are 40 to 50 percent more expensive than conventional diesel powered buses. However, their fuel consumption is 35 percent lower than oil-burners and emissions are significantly lower than regular Volvo buses. Another positive factor is that these Volvo Hybrids come under the government's FAME scheme enabling it to receive a subsidy of INR 61 lakhs. This has brought down the total cost of each bus to INR 2.3 crore.
“Globally, Volvo has pioneered the electromobility programme that includes electric hybrid, plug-in electric hybrid and full electric buses for city commute applications. With over 2,400 hybrid buses sold in more than 20 countries, the operational viability of this technology has been proven with some customers placing repeat orders,” officials of Volvo buses said in a statement.
“The technology enables up to 50 percent reduction in hazardous emissions in actual customer operations. We are confident that this initiative will spur demand from other cities in India for Volvo’s hybrid mobility solutions,” said Akash Passey, senior vice-president, Volvo Buses.
Volvo's Hybrid buses run on both electric motor and a diesel engine. The battery accompanied with the electric motor gets charged automatically during the operation, thanks to the brake energy regeneration technology. This electric motor powers the vehicle right from the moment it starts till it gains traction, enabling for a significant reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emission.
