Hybrid Volvo Buses To Now Ferry Passengers In Bangalore

The World Environment Day brings good news to the citizens of Bangalore as Volvo has launched a fleet of hybrid buses as part of the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC).

Dr. E V Ramana Reddy, Transport Secretary and Ekroop Kaur, the Managing Director BMTC flagged off the first hybrid Volvo bus on the Sunday, while celebrating the World Environment Day. The introduction of hybrid buses will cut down pollution in the city, which is an alarming factor.

Although BMTC has not commented about the hybrid buses, there are over 2500 Volvo hybrid buses being operated throughout the world, including Mumbai. Volvo had received an order for five hybrid buses from the Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport Corporation.

The Volvo 8400 City buses are certified by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) under the government's Faster Adoption & Manufacturing of Electric and Hybrid Vehicle (FAME) scheme. They will be benefited by a subsidiary of around Rs. 61 lakh under the FAME scheme.

The Volvo hybrid buses have a lithium ion battery along with a small diesel engine. Operations like the closing the door, steering and other hydraulic operations will be backed by the battery at low speeds. This according to the company will help save 30 percent of the fuel used.