VOLVO’S FIRST ELECTRIC BUSES IN AUSTRALIA DUE MID-2021

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Re: VOLVO’S FIRST ELECTRIC BUSES IN AUSTRALIA DUE MID-2021

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Australasian Bus & Coach wrote: TOP CAT – VOLVO-VOLGREN E-BUS

EXCLUSIVE: Brand fans have long awaited news of when leading European e-bus tech might start to seep into Australasian market waters. Volvo’s massive Transperth supply order and CAT bus system is where this Swede will pounce first. We speak exclusively with Volvo Bus Australia’s David Mead about all things electric bus.

It will take a bit of time, but they will get here. Volvo’s bringing in some Australia-friendly electric bus tech matched to a suitable Volgren body and it will eventually be used on a Perth CAT bus route by early 2022. That’s the short of it.

The long of it? We’ll get to see one of four of these e-buses much sooner – relatively – at the 2021 UITP Global Public Transport Summit in Melbourne, scheduled to be held in the middle to very late of next year [UPDATE: 14-17 December, 2021].

When ABC magazine published online a 10.00am embargoed announcement about the Volvo electric buses on Thursday, July 2 earlier this month (might have been 9.59am and 46 seconds … but hey, who’s counting, right?) stating these Volvos were coming next year, the reader response was pretty intense, it must be stated.

Not like ‘tattoo a Volvo badge on the forehead and ride an oversized wooden Dala horse in the middle of an Ikea store singing ABBA’s 1970s hit Mamma Mia’ or anything – but pretty close nonetheless.

The breaking news that Volvo will deliver its first ever electric buses into Australia – four e-buses with 2.5m-wide locally made Volgren bodies – as part of its existing 900-bus supply agreement signed in March 2019, with Western Australia Public Transport Authority (PTA) operator Transperth, was pretty huge. And given it didn’t bang on about that damned coronavirus was probably an added bonus, too! Good news for once, it seemed.

Image

The first of these Perth-bound buses is planned to make its debut to an international audience at the 2021 UITP Global Public Transport Summit, Volvo explained.

Following this event, at some stage this first Volvo-Volgren e-bus and three others like it will make their way to Western Australia to begin necessary integration efforts prior to commencing operation in early 2022 – as expected by both Volvo and the PTA, they confirmed.

How this all came about was because the March 2019 Volvo-PTA agreement includes provisions for the introduction of alternative-powered vehicles into the Perth public transport bus network when the technology became available in Volvo’s Australian bus product line, explained Volvo.

"We are excited to be partnering with PTA in Perth for our first electric buses in Australia," said David Mead, vice president Volvo Buses Asia Pacific and acting general manager for Volvo Buses Australia.

"Our relationship with the PTA now spans over a decade and in years to come the city of Perth will indeed be a Volvo city with 100 per cent of the bus fleet being Volvo.

"Volvo’s contract with PTA included a technology roadmap that allowed PTA to access diesel, self-charging electric and battery-electric vehicles over time.

"PTA can access the variety of tools available to them and match the technology to the route and need," Mead explained.

NITTY-GRITTY

ABC magazine contacted Volvo Bus Australia’s Mead for more in-depth info about the new e-buses and what it would and could mean in writing further e-bus business in the Australasian market.

We know Volvo has electric buses operating elsewhere in the world, so will the Aussie version be a new layout and design or based on pre-existing tech?

"The Volvo electric chassis is based on established Volvo technology already implemented in Europe. Volvo Buses have long been recognised as a leader in electro-mobility and sustainable public transport. The Volvo electric driveline has been well proven as the backbone for Volvo’s complete electric buses in Europe, where they have been in operation since 2015," Mead confirmed.

In terms of dimensions, what length can the Volvo electric chassis be built to?

"The Volvo electric chassis can be built from 10.8 to 12.5 metres in Australia and can be fitted with a locally manufactured fully ADR-compliant 2.5m-wide body – optimised for Australian conditions."

How many electric motors does it have?

"The Volvo electric chassis can be customised to have one or two electric motors connected to a two-speed transmission. The choice is based on the type of operation the bus will be in. Maximum power output is 1x or 2x 200kW [motors] and maximum torque is 1,900Nm at the driven axle. This is optimised to ensure a good driving performance of the vehicle," Mead said.

Crucially, which type of batteries does the Volvo electric chassis use?

"The Volvo electric chassis comes with Lithium-ion batteries, with a maximum of five batteries providing up to 470kWh storage capacity. The bus driveline runs on a traction voltage system with a nominal voltage of 600V DC. The traction voltage system is also used to power various auxiliary loads, such as the air compressor and the air conditioning compressor. The energy for the traction voltage system is stored in the lithium-ion batteries located on the roof of the bus. The battery can be charged externally and on-board by regenerating energy released during braking," he explained.

So what about the floor layout, we asked…

"The 4x2 Volvo electric chassis allows for vehicles to be built with a full low floor. This allows for greater accessibility to passengers to provide a true city bus experience."

What charging system can you have on the Volvo electric?

"Each bus can operate either using the fast-charge system with Combined Charging System (CCS) for in-depot charging and/or pantographs (Opportunity Charging) either on-route or at the end stations," he said.

With the PTA deal and the now late-2021 we hear UITP event essentially a showcase for Volvo’s localised e-bus tech, when will the Volvo electric chassis be available to purchase in Australia by other operators?

"The chassis will be commercially available at the end of 2022. Volvo is happy to begin discussions with customers at any time. The team at Volvo Buses Australia would welcome the opportunity to discuss future electric bus projects," he said.

Arguably, there will be many Volvo fans asking why such a delay in bringing its e-bus technology here to the Australian market. Was it for good reason or no reason?

"Volvo Bus has been in the Australian market for almost 50 years. When we bring a product to market we know it must be able to work for 25 years in Australian conditions; we want to ensure we are ready to work with local body builders who know the market, we know it must stand up to the hot Australian summers and we know operators expect any Volvo product to deliver industry-leading uptime," Mead stated, adamantly.

"We know that this means we have a little bit more work to do. But when we hit the roads of Perth we won’t be trialling the technology – we will be showing our electric offering in a commercial operation from day one!"

BODY ROCK

Chief executive officer of Volgren, Thiago Deiro, says the Volvo-Volgren e-bus was a major new milestone in a partnership spanning four decades.

"We’re thrilled to be partnering with Volvo on their first electric bus for Australia. Both engineering and design teams have been working together on this project to deliver the very best solution to the Public Transport Authority of Western Australia (PTA).

"This is one of the important builds in this company’s long history because we’re working with technology that will be used for many decades to come."

Deiro says Volgren has partnered with the PTA since 1999 and was immensely proud that the first zero-emission bus to hit the streets of Perth would carry a Volgren body.

"Our connection to the PTA – and to Western Australian public transport – is one of the longest and most successful in the history of the Australian bus industry, and it’s a partnership that we’ve never taken for granted.

"We’ll do our best to surpass the high-quality standards requested by PTA."

The first four units will be built in Dandenong; however, Deiro envisions a time when Volgren’s Perth facility will be making zero-emission buses for use on Western Australian roads.

"I’m confident that PTA will be delighted with the Volgren-Volvo product. I hope I’m not being presumptuous when I say it’s just a matter of time before we see new orders flowing from Perth.

"If and when those orders come, the Malaga site is ready to add volume and build electrics. We’ve got skilled people there and the physical capacity; there’s no need of any big change in the layout, so it’s just a matter of providing new tooling and training for our personnel."

The Malaga manufacturing facility is quickly becoming an economic hub, connected to more than 140 businesses, many of them small West Australian-run ventures.

Volgren estimates there are approximately 150 West Australians employed outside the company in the local supply chain as a direct result of the work Volgren creates.

BUS MAKE-UP

As Volvo explains, the units will be all-electric 11.7-metre long, 2.5-metre-wide vehicles with local Australian bodies designed and built by Volgren Australia. Whilst these units will be the first of their kind for Volvo in the Asia-Pacific region, the chassis are based on established Volvo technology already implemented in Europe, it states.

"Volvo Buses have long been recognised as a leader in electro-mobility and sustainable public transport," Mead said.

"The Volvo electric driveline has been well proven as the backbone for our complete electric buses in Europe, where they have been in operation since 2015.

"Delivering the product in chassis form, we can work with long-term partners such as Volgren to assemble the bus here in Australia.

"It also has allowed us to create new climate options for the vehicle, more suited to Australian conditions" he added.

LONG-TERM PLANNING

While handover of the first electric buses to the PTA is not scheduled until late next year, the planning is well underway, Volvo confirms. Implementing electric vehicles involves many more stakeholders than a traditional bus sale – with Volvo saying the planning for this project started last year.

"This project is about much more than the buses. We have worked with the PTA on a number of areas including simulating the routes to create our charging strategy, charging infrastructure, understanding capital works needs in the depot, training of staff, safety elements, certification and standards compliance. That means we are creating a scalable, end-to-end implementation plan that can be replicated in the future," explained Mead.

The company points out that whilst Volvo has extensive experience in electric buses, full commercialisation of the localised electric bus solution for Australia will not be until 2022.

AND NOW THE WAIT…

So these are the timeframes we are looking at and the machinations that need to happen before we get to see the Volvo-Volgren e-buses in the flesh on home soil and then in eventual service in Perth, WA, by early 2022.

Like any good cat on the hunt, it’s taken its time, slowly and silently and patiently slinking up and assessing and testing and checking the Australasian market, waiting for the right time to pounce.

There’ll be more than a few operators eagerly watching to see how this PTA delivery pans out – and so too other European electric bus manufacturers, as well. And let’s not forget the Australian e-bus making entities and current Asian manufacturers that are here now or have emerged.

Yup, interesting electric-bus times ahead… Stay tuned.

Image

SPECS

MAKE: Volvo
MODEL: Electric Chassis Concept
LENGTH: 11m - 12.5m
DRIVELINE: One or two electric motors, two-speed transmission; Power (max.) – 1x or 2x 200kW, Torque (max.) – 1,900Nm at the driven axle
BATTERIES: Lithium-ion, up to 470kWh capacity
CHASSIS: Full low-floor
CHARGING: CCS system
Of course, glad to see that unlike the BYD chassis Volgren built on, they seem to be going for the sensible choice of a full low-floor. Although it seems that the initial concept doesn't have a door all the way at the back, the full low-floor design definitely allows one to be fitted relatively easily, and a 3-door concept would definitely be a smart choice for a busy, high-turnover service such as the Perth CATs (Joondalup CATs not so much). Additionally, if the articulated solution would be ordered, the 4-door design with a door at the very rear would be incredibly useful for services like the 950.

The article also confirms that these 4 units will be VG (Dandenong) bodies. I would've hoped that the 3 buses not needed to be shown at the UITP Summit might be built in Perth, but alas, it seems all 'oddball' buses are to bodied at Dandenong.
I'd post any important, bus-related links I had, but they're outdated anyways.
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Re: VOLVO’S FIRST ELECTRIC BUSES IN AUSTRALIA DUE MID-2021

Post by tonyp »

BYD and Yutong also have full low-floor electric chassis for Europe and any other customers that want them. The problem is at the client end. The Australian bus sector is still full of people who have a "formula" understanding of what a bus is and can't visualise a bus not having a high floor at the back. I reckon the industry is still led by mechanics, not passenger transport people.

I'm not sure you'll get a RHD low-floor bus with a door behind the rear axle from the current offerings yet. These LHD to RHD conversions usually don't involve moving the drive train across to the other side of the bus, so it's still in the way of having a back door. Would the ADR and various state agency standards allow a back door yet? They would no doubt be behind the times in this respect too. When a big RHD market for low-floor buses develops, then manufacturers will consider moving the drive train across and that should open the way up to having a rear door. I do note, however, that Mercedes Benz has been floating an articulated bus design for Canberra (a while ago) and Gold Coast (recently) with a rear door behind the axle, so that suggests that they're prepared to go the whole way if they get orders. Will Volvo match this I wonder?
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Re: VOLVO’S FIRST ELECTRIC BUSES IN AUSTRALIA DUE MID-2021

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https://thedriven.io/2020/09/09/abb-to- ... bus-route/

Swiss-Swedish engineering firm ABB has been selected by the Public Transport Authority (PTA) of Western Australia to supply and install EV charging stations for the state’s first electric public transport bus route.

ABB will supply and install EV charging station at the Joondalup Bus Depot, run by Transperth, PTA’s metro-area operating arm, for the free five-kilometre Joondalup CAT (central area transit) route, serving as Western Australia’s first electric bus trial.

“Trialling new, green technology is a great use of our public transport network, already one of the most environmentally friendly ways to get around Perth,” said WA’s Transport Minister Rita Saffioti. “This is the first time we have trialled electric buses on a CAT route and I’m excited to see what commuters think about this new technology.”



ABB’s Terra184 180kW high-power EV chargers will provide the bus depot overnight charging for its new Volvo electric busses to operate on this CAT route and are able to charge two buses simultaneously.

The chargers also include cloud connectivity, allowing network operators the option to remotely monitor and diagnose the charging infrastructure 24/7, maximising uptime, increasing efficiency, and ensuring reliable infrastructure for the public.

The chargers also utilise CCS (Combined Charging System) connectivity and OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) compliance, combining charging cabinet and charging post, reducing the infrastructure footprint necessary to charge multiple buses, making it a valuable addition to compact installations like bus depots where space comes at a premium.

“ABB is committed to driving innovation in the e-mobility sector to advance the uptake of EV technology that supports Australia’s transition away from modes of transport that produce green-house-gas (GHG) emissions,” said David Sullivan, Head of Electrification, ABB Australia.

“The transport sector — including passenger, mass transit and freight vehicles — currently accounts for 18.9% of Australia’s emissions making it the country’s second highest emitting sector after electricity generation.



“State-run public transport and vehicle fleets can kickstart Australia’s EV awareness and readiness to embrace this advanced technology and lead the way with EV ambitions.
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Re: VOLVO’S FIRST ELECTRIC BUSES IN AUSTRALIA DUE MID-2021

Post by Enviro 500 »

Well, they can't be 7900s then. The 7900 is meant to be a complete bus like the Mercedes-Benz Citaro.

Anyway, I predict the next E-bus route will be the 555 if this trial is deemed successful.
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Re: VOLVO’S FIRST ELECTRIC BUSES IN AUSTRALIA DUE MID-2021

Post by 385BUZ »

A bit of topic for WA but still an interesting point...

We are also supposed to be getting some of these in Brisbane in 2022. It was established by BT that we were getting them well before WA/Perth but we havnt heard anything since. We were supposed to get 4, for the free downtown loops (Routes 40 and 50)
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Re: VOLVO’S FIRST ELECTRIC BUSES IN AUSTRALIA DUE MID-2021

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Tender is out for batteries to store excess solar energy from the current system in order to provide extra power supply for the EV chargers. More on Tenders WA.
Tenders WA Website wrote:Provision and Installation of Solar Batteries for Joondalup Bus Depot (PTA210067)
The Public Transport Authority of Western Australia (PTA), via its branded bus service Transperth, will be conducting an Electrical Vehicle Charging trial for a select bus fleet operating exclusively from Joondalup Bus Depot commencing approximately November 2021.

This procurement specifically includes the products and product installation as follows:
  • 307.2 kWh / 150 kW storage batteries ( x 4) to capture surplus electricity generation from the 100kw Solar System and redirect this surplus electricity to the EVC stations, giving potential for evening bus timetables and/or longer distance journeys and in general more flexibility in the management of the bus fleet.
  • Simplistically, the desired order of precedence for managing surplus electricity would follow: Solar panels capture energy, this is stored within the batteries, then redirected to the Switchboard, then utilised by the EVC stations. Whilst the primary intention is to appropriately supply the EVC stations,  the PTA seeks optionality from the battery system to supply electricity in varying proportions to either the fixed depot administration building, as well as, the EVC stations (at PTA’s discretion).
I'd post any important, bus-related links I had, but they're outdated anyways.
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Re: VOLVO’S FIRST ELECTRIC BUSES IN AUSTRALIA DUE MID-2021

Post by Enviro 500 »

I reckon if this trial is successful, they might roll out electric buses on the Midland Shuttle and possibly the 555 in the longer term.
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Re: VOLVO’S FIRST ELECTRIC BUSES IN AUSTRALIA DUE MID-2021

Post by tonyp »

Enviro 500 wrote: Thu Sep 10, 2020 6:41 pm Well, they can't be 7900s then. The 7900 is meant to be a complete bus like the Mercedes-Benz Citaro.

Anyway, I predict the next E-bus route will be the 555 if this trial is deemed successful.
According to this Article from Hungary, it's basically a chassis version of the 7900, developed for export markets where the body is supplied locally:

https://magyarbusz.info/2020/07/22/bele ... a-a-volvo/

(Google translation below)

The technology is now so developed and with an adequate range for citybus operations, I don't think there is any question about success. The main issue is to establish the depot infrastructure and power supply and identify the depots and routes where these buses can be deployed. Depot space for charging large numbers of electric buses overnight is one of the issues.

Reading back through Bus Suggestions' posts, I overlooked that the first four buses are in fact being built at Dandenong (contrary to what this article presumes) and that Malaga production may or will presumably come later. The Dandenong location suggests that they will go straight into the national market and perhaps that's the basis for that Brisbane observation, which I hadn't heard about. They will be up against Custom Denning which already has a similar (fully low floor) product and who no doubt are scrambling for market traction before the Volvo arrives on the scene.

Volvo enters the Australian electric bus market
Author: Patthy GellértDate:
July 22, 2020

Volvo's purely electric buses are already collecting kilometers in many European countries, but until now, the Swedish manufacturer's locally zero-emission models have not reached the land of kangaroos. However, the situation will change next year, when the brand new electric bus for the Australian market, produced in cooperation with Volgren, will be completed. The first four copies of the model will be commissioned by Transperth, a public transport company in the city of Perth that is part of the Public Transport Authority of Western Australia (PTA).

The four electric buses will arrive in the Western Australian city as part of the 900-strong tender we have previously sung on an international scale, as the transport contract signed with PTA last March allows some of the buses to be powered by various alternative modes of operation in addition to the normal diesel engine. arrive as soon as they become available in Volvo’s local range. The project, the preparation of which began last year, goes far beyond simply delivering vehicles: Volvo and PTA are involved in developing optimal routes for electric buses and choosing a charging strategy, building the necessary infrastructure and a garage to accommodate vehicles, and also in the training of operating and maintenance personnel. The close relationship between the bus manufacturer and the city is well indicated by the fact that, as the handovers progress, Perth's fleet will consist of buses based exclusively on Volvo machinery within a few years.

The body of Volvo electric buses to be manufactured for the Australian market will be manufactured at Volgren's Malaga plant

As we have become accustomed to in many cases outside Europe, Volvo will once again appear “only” as a chassis carrier in the production process, with the bodywork of the buses being carried out by Sweden’s well-proven Australian partner, Volgren, which has previously built an electric bus on BYD chassis. Volvo had previously promised to introduce a modular self-propelled electric bus chassis for external bodies for the UK market by 2021, so it is probably no coincidence that this is also the case for the electric model, which also targets Australia on the left. On the Swedish foundations, the Volgren Optimus superstructure, which is made of bolted aluminum profiles, is 11.7 meters long, but only 2500 mm wide is adapted to local regulations. (This size limit is also likely to change in the foreseeable future, as it is planned to increase the permissible width of heavy goods vehicles in Australia to 2550 mm, possibly 2600 mm, in force in Europe.)

Relatively little is known about the technical details so far. According to Volvo, the future Australia-specific electric bus will include an electric powertrain already proven in Europe, adapted to local climatic conditions, so the novelty is expected to be a close relative of the 7900 Electric we know from a technical point of view. Based on all this, a 160-200 kW high-performance central electric motor and the associated two-speed automatic transmission can be expected, and according to Australian sources, a full-length low-floor design and the use of a CCS Combo 2 plug-in charger are expected.

In Europe, for the time being, we only know Volvo electric models in the form of a complete bus

Despite the fact that, in addition to the technical foundations, the bodywork is broadly in line, the introduction of the Australian-tailored Volvo electric bus has yet to be seen: the official premiere of the novelty is scheduled for the UITP Congress in Melbourne in June 2021. The very first specimens are expected to be available in downtown Perth at the end of 2021, and the model will be available to other potential buyers from 2022 onwards.
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Re: VOLVO’S FIRST ELECTRIC BUSES IN AUSTRALIA DUE MID-2021

Post by bussie »

On the DOTARS RVCS certification, the chassis is designated as Volvo B0E.
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Re: VOLVO’S FIRST ELECTRIC BUSES IN AUSTRALIA DUE MID-2021

Post by tonyp »

https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/P ... paign=news

Electric buses on track to start Joondalup CAT trial in January
Thursday, 6 May 2021

Electric buses anticipated to commence in Joondalup in January 2022
Modifications to Joondalup bus depot to support electric buses 75 per cent complete
Unprecedented investment in transport infrastructure in the northern suburbs

Perth's first electric CAT buses are due to start rolling through Joondalup in January next year.
The first of four electric buses ordered by the McGowan Government has been constructed, with the second currently being built.
The two buses will begin on-road testing by October, in anticipation of the trial commencing in January.
In addition to the Joondalup CAT network, it is anticipated that these buses will also service some northern suburban routes.
Modifications to the Joondalup bus depot, which include changes to the parking layout, maintenance facility and high-voltage EV charging system installation, are about 75 per cent complete.
Four trial vehicles will be supplied to the Public Transport Authority by Volvo through their existing bus supply agreement.
Volvo currently holds a $549 million contract to deliver 900 new buses between 2019 and 2029, including the potential to deliver electric vehicles in future if the trial is a success.
The manufacture of the first two buses is being undertaken in Melbourne, with the first bus being expected to be received by October.
The State Government expects, all things going well, Volvo's partnership with local manufacturer Volgren will allow for future electric buses to be fitted out locally.
The Volgren facility is located in Malaga, supporting local jobs and apprenticeships - a key priority of the McGowan Labor Government.
The partnership with Volgren and Volvo also ensures that the buses put on our networks are reliable and are proven performers in our conditions over a period of time.
Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"This is an exciting initiative for Western Australia.
"This is about supporting our public transport, cleaner transport and ensuring we partner with industry for the best employment outcomes.
"The buses that will be used in the trial are being manufactured in Melbourne, but in the future, all things going well with the trial, we expect the manufacture and assembly of the electric buses to occur in Malaga.
"This is part of our vision of not only supporting cleaner transport, but also local manufacturing."
Comments attributed to Joondalup MLA Emily Hamilton:
"Many local residents have raised the idea of an electric bus trial in Joondalup - I presented the idea to the Minister for Transport and am so pleased that we have confirmation this will start early next year.
"It's exciting to watch the Joondalup bus depot transform as the technology is installed, with 75 per cent of the equipment now constructed.
"Our Government is transforming the transport options available in the northern suburbs and this provides another option for people to choose how to travel."
The timeframe seems to have slipped back a little. If the first bus has been completed, October is a long time off to find its way over to Perth. If anybody finds any photos of the first bus, especially the interior, it would be great to see them.
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Re: VOLVO’S FIRST ELECTRIC BUSES IN AUSTRALIA DUE MID-2021

Post by Off The Rails »

https://www.facebook.com/RitaSaffiotiML ... 9833286530
Exterior shot of what I believe is the first bus, but no interior.

Cheers! :wink:
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Re: VOLVO’S FIRST ELECTRIC BUSES IN AUSTRALIA DUE MID-2021

Post by Enviro 500 »

Off The Rails wrote: Sun May 09, 2021 3:44 pm https://www.facebook.com/RitaSaffiotiML ... 9833286530
Exterior shot of what I believe is the first bus, but no interior.

Cheers! :wink:
Looks awesome.
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Re: VOLVO’S FIRST ELECTRIC BUSES IN AUSTRALIA DUE MID-2021

Post by tonyp »

Enviro 500 wrote: Sun May 09, 2021 9:49 pm Looks awesome.
Well so far it looks much like any other Volgren - that is, good! Inside will be the real interest as the Volvo is a low floor chassis (should be stepless) and the internal layout will be interesting to see. The apparent lack of a rear window is a potential negative in the checklist. There is no reason not to have one in an electric bus. Passengers appreciate it.
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Re: VOLVO’S FIRST ELECTRIC BUSES IN AUSTRALIA DUE MID-2021

Post by Enviro 500 »

tonyp wrote: Mon May 10, 2021 5:51 am
Enviro 500 wrote: Sun May 09, 2021 9:49 pm Looks awesome.
Well so far it looks much like any other Volgren - that is, good! Inside will be the real interest as the Volvo is a low floor chassis (should be stepless) and the internal layout will be interesting to see. The apparent lack of a rear window is a potential negative in the checklist. There is no reason not to have one in an electric bus. Passengers appreciate it.
I wonder if these are suitable for opportunity charging. Don't seem to see them having a pantograph like those models developed by Linkker, of which there are 20 units built for Singapore.
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Re: VOLVO’S FIRST ELECTRIC BUSES IN AUSTRALIA DUE MID-2021

Post by tonyp »

Enviro 500 wrote: Mon May 10, 2021 11:04 am
I wonder if these are suitable for opportunity charging. Don't seem to see them having a pantograph like those models developed by Linkker, of which there are 20 units built for Singapore.
There would be no need. These 12 metre electric buses have the ability to run all day and evening on one charge (boosted by regeneration while driving). That may come with artics (of which Volvo has an electric model too).
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Post by TP1462 »

Bus Suggestions wrote:Tender is out for batteries to store excess solar energy from the current system in order to provide extra power supply for the EV chargers. More on Tenders WA.
Tenders WA Website wrote:Provision and Installation of Solar Batteries for Joondalup Bus Depot (PTA210067)
The Public Transport Authority of Western Australia (PTA), via its branded bus service Transperth, will be conducting an Electrical Vehicle Charging trial for a select bus fleet operating exclusively from Joondalup Bus Depot commencing approximately November 2021.

This procurement specifically includes the products and product installation as follows:
  • 307.2 kWh / 150 kW storage batteries ( x 4) to capture surplus electricity generation from the 100kw Solar System and redirect this surplus electricity to the EVC stations, giving potential for evening bus timetables and/or longer distance journeys and in general more flexibility in the management of the bus fleet.
  • Simplistically, the desired order of precedence for managing surplus electricity would follow: Solar panels capture energy, this is stored within the batteries, then redirected to the Switchboard, then utilised by the EVC stations. Whilst the primary intention is to appropriately supply the EVC stations,  the PTA seeks optionality from the battery system to supply electricity in varying proportions to either the fixed depot administration building, as well as, the EVC stations (at PTA’s discretion).
The batteries used in the 7900s are supplied by BYD rated at 324kW or 493Nm so we should be expecting a WLTP range of approximately 600km. They’re LFP too so more light weight, very little to no maintenance, better charging and discharging, longer duty cycle and life span not too mention much safer than a standard lead acid battery


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Re: VOLVO’S FIRST ELECTRIC BUSES IN AUSTRALIA DUE MID-2021

Post by tonyp »

TP1462 wrote: Tue May 11, 2021 6:24 pm
The batteries used in the 7900s are supplied by BYD rated at 324kW or 493Nm so we should be expecting a WLTP range of approximately 600km. They’re LFP too so more light weight, very little to no maintenance, better charging and discharging, longer duty cycle and life span not too mention much safer than a standard lead acid battery
That 600 km figure comes from a straight non-stop highway drive, which just about any electric bus could achieve. As an urban commuter bus, BYD is usually quoted at about 350 km. Also take into account that these maximum ranges are to battery fully discharged, also depending on how the bus is driven as regen contributes a large amount to the range. The main objective is that it covers a day's (16-17 hours) commuter service running with a large reserve to spare at the end of the roster, that is typically around 250-350 km running. The recent operation of the Custom Denning Element on the Gold Coast (including the trip to and from Brisbane at the beginning and end) extended over more than 17 hours and over 400 km with plenty of reserve at the end.
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Re: VOLVO’S FIRST ELECTRIC BUSES IN AUSTRALIA DUE MID-2021

Post by tonyp »

I can't remember whether I've posted this. It's the first Volvo electric at Dandenong (supplied by the Minister in May):

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Re: VOLVO’S FIRST ELECTRIC BUSES IN AUSTRALIA DUE MID-2021

Post by Off The Rails »

There's a post from me, back in May, with a link to where it's posted.

Cheers! :wink:
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Re: VOLVO’S FIRST ELECTRIC BUSES IN AUSTRALIA DUE MID-2021

Post by tonyp »

Off The Rails wrote: Sat Jul 10, 2021 10:19 pm There's a post from me, back in May, with a link to where it's posted.

Cheers! :wink:
So there is sorry. I got it off Saffioti's Facebook. Wish there was a photo of the other side and the interior.
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Re: VOLVO’S FIRST ELECTRIC BUSES IN AUSTRALIA DUE MID-2021

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Near side shot on P32 of the July Australian Bus Panorama.
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Re: VOLVO’S FIRST ELECTRIC BUSES IN AUSTRALIA DUE MID-2021

Post by tonyp »

1whoknows wrote: Sun Jul 11, 2021 7:57 am Near side shot on P32 of the July Australian Bus Panorama.
Thank you, unfortunately I don't subscribe. I assume it's a typical two double-leaf door format like existing CAT buses?
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Re: VOLVO’S FIRST ELECTRIC BUSES IN AUSTRALIA DUE MID-2021

Post by actually »

1whoknows wrote: Sun Jul 11, 2021 7:57 am Near side shot on P32 of the July Australian Bus Panorama.
I’ve searched online to try to buy this magazine…not much success. Is it possible somewhere? Thanks
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Re: VOLVO’S FIRST ELECTRIC BUSES IN AUSTRALIA DUE MID-2021

Post by 1whoknows »

Go to BCSV.org.au and hit the membership tag. $60 p/a for 420 pages.
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Re: VOLVO’S FIRST ELECTRIC BUSES IN AUSTRALIA DUE MID-2021

Post by tonyp »

1whoknows wrote: Mon Jul 12, 2021 6:32 am Go to BCSV.org.au and hit the membership tag. $60 p/a for 420 pages.
Much as one would love to support every such organisation, after retirement it becomes financially impossible for many, so have to restrict to one or two subs (though digital subs where available can save quite a bit) and buy individual issues as required. I think actually's point is about being able to buy this particular issue or any back-issue. There seems to be no mechanism for this and the ARHS Sydney shop which is mentioned on the website appears to no longer carry it.

Would still love to know whether this Volvo electric bus is still a bog standard Perth bus on the nearside!
Last edited by tonyp on Mon Jul 12, 2021 10:32 am, edited 1 time in total.
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