[Auto] VOLVO BUSES DELIVERS TO THE WORLD’S NORTHERNMOST OPERATOR OF ELECTRIC BUSES

[ITS OZX-]

European cities continue to future-proof their public transport. Most recently the city of Bodö in the very north of Norway, which has placed an order for a comprehensive package consisting of 31 electric Volvo buses, charging infrastructure and servicing. When the buses become operational in July 2021 they will be the northernmost electric buses in the world, and the first to enter operation north of the Arctic Circle.

“This is the largest sustainable road transport project in Northern Norway, and it is of great importance to the region and to us,” says Anders Mjaaland, managing director of the Saltens Group, owner of Nordlandsbuss that operates the electric buses.

The transition to quiet, exhaust-free electric buses improves the urban environment and significantly reduces the climate impact of public transport in Bodo. It also marks an important step for reaching Norway's ambitious climate goals, which among many other things state that all city buses in the country will be able to operate without emissions by 2025.

The agreement came after a particularly thorough analysis of Bodö's unusual conditions for electrified bus operation.

“Every city is unique and in order to find the optimum solution it is imperative that everything is designed correctly to suit the local conditions and needs. For this reason, our initial analysis, including road simulation, plays an important role in our business model.” Svenn-Åge explains Lökken, Sales Manager at Volvo Buses in Norway: “Terrain, repeat path, proximity to warehouse and workshop are other important considerations in our offer.

The environmental benefits of bus electrification also open up new possibilities for future urban planning. As emissions and noise disappear, availability can be improved. Buses can operate in sensitive areas in city centers, and bus stops can be built where previously not possible, including indoors.

Of the 31 electric buses that make up the demand, 17 are the 12-meter Volvo 7900 Electric buses, and the remaining 14 are the high-capacity Volvo 7900 electric articulated buses. It can carry up to 120 passengers. The shipping infrastructure will be delivered by ABB.

Other Norwegian cities such as Bodö that have chosen as Volvo Buses' solution to electrifying public transport are Drammen and Lesund, and Volvo has all told that it has received orders in Norway for 63 electric buses in 2020.