Opportunity charging is no longer the only option; now up to 200km range on one overnight charge
Volvo Bus unveiled a significant change of direction for the zero-emission 7900E at Busworld with the introduction of substantially increased battery capacities. In some cases, that will allow a full day’s operation on one overnight charge.
Volvo still insists that opportunity charging via roadside infrastructure is one of the keys to its electromobility strategy, but the transition to 150, 200 and 250kW/h battery packs has the potential to widen the 7900E’s appeal.
The first generation 7900E uses four 19kW/h batteries to give around 40km between opportunity replenishment. On the second generation buses, that figure increases to a maximum of 200km on one overnight charge, the manufacturer says.
Opportunity charging using the pantograph-based OppCharge will function in the same manner as it does now, although it will not be available on 7900Es with 250kW/h of energy storage, where overnight charging – now via the industry-standard CCS cable method – is the only option.
“On shorter routes, the new 7900E gives the potential to complete a full day’s work without charging being required,” says President of Volvo Buses Hakan Agnevall.
“For longer routes, opportunity charging is ideal and it maintains an unlimited range. The new 7900E redefines opportunity charging. This is a very important reinforcement of our electromobility product range, giving customers the maximum flexibility in their daily operation.”
Volvo will also introduce optional pedestrian and cyclist detection with the new 7900E, which will hit the market at the end of 2018.
It has also revealed that it is working on automation in buses. During 2018’s Volvo Ocean Race in Gothenburg, the manufacturer will utilise automated bus stop docking and demonstrate self-driving buses in a depot environment.
