Volvo Bus will supply six 7900e fully-electric, ultra-low emission, single-deck buses to Birmingham Airport, which will go into service in November.
They will operate on all car park routes including the 7.5km route which operates out to the car park at Elmdon.
Due to the requirement for 24/7 operation, each of the Volvo 7900e buses will be recharged en route using the ‘OppCharge’ opportunity charging pantograph system developed by Volvo and ABB.
Charging takes up to six minutes to complete, giving flexibility and enabling continuous operation without having to spend time in the depot being ‘topped up’ with power.
The 7900e, which provides up to 80% lower energy consumption than an equivalent sized diesel bus, has been involved in a series of trials at locations around the UK, including Greater Manchester, Cardiff, Liverpool and Heathrow Airport.
A fleet of eight buses of the same specification recently entering full service in Harrogate.
Nick Barton, CEO at Birmingham Airport, says: “This partnership is a key milestone for us. We are always investigating new and innovative ways to reduce our carbon emissions and through the partnership with Volvo Bus UK, we can do just this.”
Nick Page, MD of Volvo Bus UK & Ireland, adds: “Over the last 15 months the 7900e has undertaken a UK wide demonstration tour where it has shown the contribution that can now be made to improving air quality in the areas where it has been in service.
“We are confident the 7900e and accompanying technologies will help Birmingham Airport to achieve its goals.”
