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Successful testing of electric articulated buses on route 16

Friday, May 17, 2019

Concept electric articulated buses started being tested on parts of route 16 in Gothenburg in mid-June last year. How did the tests go? Does the technology work? What do passengers think?

“To date, our electric articulated buses have operated for over 4,500 hours and driven a total of 62,000 kilometres on one of the city’s busiest routes without any major operational disruptions. This is an excellent result,” says Peter Nordin Coordinator ElectriCity for Volvo Group.

During the test period, the technology used for charging, control and operation has been continuously tested, optimised and verified to provide data to support continued product development.

Västtrafik’s latest passenger survey, carried out in April 2019, shows that Gothenburg residents are generally very satisfied with the electric buses. For instance, 90 percent of passengers on route 16 feel that the electric buses contribute to a better urban environment and are pleasant to ride in. The electric buses on route 16 also gained high ratings for departure frequency, short journey duration and on-board cleanliness.

Volvo’s prototype articulated buses feature a number of technical and design solutions that make travel easier and more comfortable for passengers. For instance, the buses have four double doors, large unobstructed floor surfaces and ergonomically designed handrails, grab-handles and backrests for standing passengers. The aim is that a large number of passengers should be able to quickly and conveniently enter and exit at every stop, while making the journey itself as comfortable as possible. The buses are equipped with onboard Wi-Fi, phone charging points and traffic information screens.

The electric articulated buses are operated by Transdev.

Take a ride on an electric articulated bus on route 16. Watch video here!