Plug-in , 12m 7900e set to be used on hotel shuttle service to Dublin Airport’s two passenger terminals
Volvo is to supply what it says will be Ireland’s first electric bus later this year when the Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport Hotel takes delivery of a 7900e that will be charged via a high-power plug-in connection.
The single-door, 12m 7900e will have a battery capacity of 200kW. The charging solution will be provided by ESB – Ireland’s foremost energy provider – and it will be rated at 150kW.
Volvo has sold over 150 7900e electric buses in Europe, including a number that are in service with Transdev Blazefield in Harrogate. It also has a right-hand drive demonstrator (pictured).
Says Volvo Bus UK and Ireland MD Nick Page: “We’ve seen the kind of contribution that the 7900e can make to improving air quality. In addition to the UK trials, it has been successfully tried and tested in countries including Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg and Sweden.
“Our vision is to develop a range of vehicles, which includes hybrids, electric hybrids and full electrics, to deliver improved air quality where they operate.”
The 7900e for Dublin will be used on a shuttle service between the Crown Plaza and Holiday Inn Express airport hotels and the passenger terminals. It will operate an all-day schedule, hence the need for a high-power charger.
Adds General Manager for the two hotels Garret O’Neill: “While the purchase of the Volvo 7900e is a significant investment for the hotels, we believe it will deliver long-term benefits for both our customers and the local environment.”
