Volvo to test all-electric articulated buses for general public in Gothenburg, Sweden

Volvo Group announced in a press release earlier this week that they will be testing all-electric articulated (two large bus cabins joint together — see high-res pic below) buses on route 16 of Gothenburg, Sweden.

This is part of the ElectriCity project that aims to electrify public transportation in Gothenburg (Göteborg) with help from city government and other partners.

Volvo asserts that electric buses are quieter in addition of being emission-free — this enables reducing noise and pollution specially for the Sahlgrenska hospital on route 16.

Lars Holmin, chairman of public transport company Västtrafik says in the press release;

By expanding the demonstration arena and testing high-capacity electric articulated buses on a route that carries many passengers, we can give more people in Gothenburg an attractive alternative to taking their own cars. The new all-electric buses are far quieter than diesel buses, they emit absolutely no exhaust gases, and they are designed for smooth and comfortable travel. They will also form an important basis for decisions about future investments in electric buses.

Between 14 and 21 June, the new all-electric buses will operate on the “Volvo Ocean Race route” between Nordstan and Frihamnen in the city center involving several activities in addition to the race.

From 25 June the buses will operate on route 16, between Eriksbergstorget and Nordstan in the mornings and evenings, and between Eriksbergstorget and Sahlgrenska hospital during the day.

The buses are intended to move large number of passengers on route 16 — Volvo is optimistic the comfortable and quiet mode of transportation will increase the trend of using public transport instead of using personal cars at least in working hours.

The articulated Volvo electric bus is capable of transporting 135 passengers (35 seated) at one time which should also improve traffic congestion situation in the city of Gothenburg.

The press release states the following facts about the ElectriCity project for Gothenburg;

The new electrically powered articulated buses are part of ElectriCity, a partnership being jointly run by the research community, industry and society, where new solutions for next-generation sustainable urban traffic are developed, demonstrated and evaluated. The articulated bus project is being driven by the Volvo Group, Västtrafik, the City of Gothenburg, Göteborg Energi and Transdev.

ElectriCity brings together the project’s partners – the Volvo Group, Region Västra Götaland, Västtrafik, the City of Gothenburg, Chalmers University of Technology, the Swedish Energy Agency, Johanneberg Science Park, Lindholmen Science Park, Göteborg Energi, Ericsson, Älvstranden Utveckling, Keolis, Akademiska Hus and Chalmersfastigheter.