Major Electrification for Borås Public Transport
Volvo Buses has secured a significant order from public transit operator Vy Buss for 73 new electric buses, destined for city and regional routes in Borås, Sweden. This substantial delivery is poised to fully electrify all city bus traffic in Borås, marking a pivotal advancement in sustainable public transportation for the region. The new fleet is scheduled to commence operations by April 2027.
Fleet Details and Operational Impact
The order comprises a diverse range of electric bus models to cater to various route requirements:
- 46 Volvo 7900 Electric articulated units, designed for high-capacity urban corridors.
- 14 Volvo 7900 Electric buses.
- 13 Volvo 8900 Electric buses, intended for regional routes, including connections to Viared, where Volvo Buses' manufacturing facility is located.
This comprehensive solution, developed in conjunction with local dealer Boråsbil, includes essential service contracts and depot arrangements to ensure operational reliability and long-term performance. Passengers can anticipate enhanced comfort, increased seating capacity, and improved accessibility, with features such as dual wheelchair areas and flexible interior layouts.
Commitment to Sustainability and Local Roots
Martin Spjern, Country Manager for Sweden at Volvo Buses, expressed the company's pride in the order, stating, 'It is especially rewarding to receive this order for Borås, where much of our bus manufacturing has its roots.' He added that this investment represents 'a significant step forward for sustainable public transport in the region.' The chassis for the new buses will be produced at Volvo's facility in Borås, while bodywork will be supplied by partner MCV, manufactured in Egypt.
Robert Nyberg, CEO of Vy Buss, highlighted the strategic importance of the transition, remarking, 'The move toward electrified buses is an important step toward a more sustainable and climate-smart public transit system.' He further noted that this agreement signifies 'the beginning of a long-term, forward-looking partnership to develop public transportation in Borås together.' The Borås bus plant itself achieved a milestone in 2020 by becoming one of the first bus factories globally to operate entirely on renewable energy.
6 Comments
Africa
Commendable that Volvo's local facility is involved, yet it's interesting to note the bodywork is sourced from Egypt, which slightly complicates the 'local roots' narrative.
Bermudez
Quiet, clean, and comfortable for passengers. A win-win!
Habibi
Another promise, let's see if it actually happens by 2027.
ZmeeLove
This is a strong move for urban air quality, but we need to ensure the electricity powering these buses comes from truly renewable sources to maximize the environmental benefit.
Muchacho
This will significantly improve air quality in the city. Fantastic!
lettlelenok
While electrifying public transport is a positive step for emissions, the long-term environmental impact of battery manufacturing and recycling must also be carefully considered.