Volgren Discussion / Observations

General Transport Discussion not specific to one state
tonyp
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Re: Volgren Discussion / Observations

Post by tonyp »

While I'm in the mood reading Magyarbusz (which provides some insights into the Australian bus scene that I don't get in Australia!), here's some news on Volgren's electric Volvo, including details I haven't read in local media.

https://magyarbusz.info/2020/07/22/bele ... a-a-volvo/
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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1whoknows
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Re: Volgren Discussion / Observations

Post by 1whoknows »

Some better quality journalism there than you would see in ABC, the well known press release recycler.
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tonyp
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Re: Volgren Discussion / Observations

Post by tonyp »

1whoknows wrote: Thu Apr 08, 2021 7:55 am Some better quality journalism there than you would see in ABC, the well known press release recycler.
I learned some years back when I was involved with trams and built up a few European contacts that if I wanted to know what was really happening in the Australian tram systems the place to find out was in Europe. That's where I learned that Sydney's CAFs actually cost twice as much as TfNSW's spin doctors were telling us. Likewise with buses I follow the European industry news. Google translate helps to open up the material obviously, plus everybody in the industry and following it speaks English nowadays.
tonyp
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Re: Volgren Discussion / Observations

Post by tonyp »

This is the fully low floor Volvo electric chassis that is to be used by Volgren in Perth and then released across Australia in 2022.

https://www.busnews.com.au/industry-new ... 22-release
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Re: Volgren Discussion / Observations

Post by Merc1107 »

Without the noise of a diesel engine, any shortcomings in build quality are going to be very noticeable, which I have noticed on new or new-near buses on innumerable occasions. So am hoping Volgren invest the appropriate level of effort in bodying this Volvo chassis.

Of course it could be argued the engine itself may (over time) exasperate issues such as squeaks and rattles, and this argument is perfectly valid, too. That is more a matter of how well the product is designed to cope with wear and tear over time.
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Re: Volgren Discussion / Observations

Post by tonyp »

Merc1107 wrote: Fri Apr 16, 2021 9:17 am Without the noise of a diesel engine, any shortcomings in build quality are going to be very noticeable, which I have noticed on new or new-near buses on innumerable occasions. So am hoping Volgren invest the appropriate level of effort in bodying this Volvo chassis.

Of course it could be argued the engine itself may (over time) exasperate issues such as squeaks and rattles, and this argument is perfectly valid, too. That is more a matter of how well the product is designed to cope with wear and tear over time.
Well diesel engines impose stresses on bodies that electric drive won't. That constant vibration (even though not as bad as it was back in the days of the old British diesels) has a habit of working loose any weak points in finishes, such as fastenings. In future the stress will only come from road conditions - rough surfaces, pot holes and those expansion joints in concrete slab roads that you get in Sydney!
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1whoknows
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Re: Volgren Discussion / Observations

Post by 1whoknows »

The first one will go direct to Perth. The second is expected to be displayed at the bus show in September.
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Re: Volgren Discussion / Observations

Post by Enviro 500 »

1whoknows wrote: Thu Apr 22, 2021 5:13 pm The first one will go direct to Perth. The second is expected to be displayed at the bus show in September.
Are these replacing 2880 and 2881 on the Joondalup CATs?
tonyp
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Re: Volgren Discussion / Observations

Post by tonyp »

Volgren's graphic of its vehicle range, including one Marcopolo at right:

Image
reshz
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Re: Volgren Discussion / Observations

Post by reshz »

ScaniaGrenda wrote: Fri Dec 18, 2020 9:26 am Heh Mitch I was about to come in and comment on said Ambulance and says It's probably one of the few known Volgren buses to be LHD instead of right, I can find very few photos for the Volgren ambulance bus but a few for the Citaro they also have.

Image

Image

For those who want to read about the Ambulance bus, here you go, doesn't mention nothing about the Volvo Chassis or Volgren
http://scientificme.net/ambulance-bus/

I didn't know about an local operator having an SC222 tho, I know the bus enthusiast scene is probably non-existent over there but I'd love to see a photo of an actual LHD SC222 Volgren.

Edit: There's some promotional images they use of their SC222's on Hafliats own website, on some sort of Mercedes-Benz Chassis which I'm guessing would be a local equivalent of the OH1830L
https://www.hafilat.ae/

Image
I found this forum when searching for Volgren in the UAE. I have some information about the SC222 LHD buses produced by Hafilat: 15 units were produced for the Abu Dhabi Transport Department on the Mercedes-Benz O500R chassis. At least 4 buses were also produced for other needs (one of which was for transporting prisoners)

Several CR228L buses were also produced for different purposes. Ambulance on the Volvo B12B 4x2 chassis, mobile library on the O500LE chassis. 5 CR228L buses were produced by RHD for Australia (I also have information about their future fate).

I could not get to the factory or get official information from them about how many Volgren buses were produced in the UAE, but after 2010, the Hafilat plant produces buses from other manufacturers

I can send links to photos of SC222 LHD on the Russian transport site in large numbers (I don't want to throw the link right away so that I won't be banned for spam).

I will be glad of any information that you can share with me about the Volgren produced in the UAE.

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Re: Volgren Discussion / Observations

Post by ScaniaGrenda »

Hey Reshz, much appreciated for sharing further information on the Abu Dhabi Hafilat / Volgrens.

When I was looking into this originally I did come across a site that showed some photos of the Mercedes O500 SC222's in service around Dhabi (However I can no longer remember the term to get them to show up on google). I was aware of the existence of the Ambulance CR228L (I think there may have been more than one?) however until now I was not aware of the existence of the mobile Library on the O500LE Chassis, do you know if photos exist anywhere of this, I'm sure others would be keen on seeing it too.

I think I may know where the RHD bodied Volgren Abu Dhabi buses ended up here, Somewhere with Ventura in Melbourne, all were also Mercedes O500LE's. I'm not from Melbourne so I haven't seen these in person but I have seen photos online before of them, of course they wouldn't look different for any reason and you'd be hard-pressed without looking at Fleet-Lists to know those came from Abu Dhabi but their out there.

To date, I think these are the only LHD "Volgrens" to exist so they are really unique in that regards.

We're always keen to see existence of our transportation items in overseas markets (Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, and New Zealand to name them) so we'd love it if you could share photos of the LHD SC222.

Again thank you for sharing some information, it is much appreciated.

- SG
Transport enthusiast & photographer / videographer since 2016, documenting & preserving our local Transport History through videos & photos.
reshz
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Re: Volgren Discussion / Observations

Post by reshz »

Here are 24 photos SC222 LHD, the owners of which allowed me to publish them on the site:
http://fotobus.msk.ru/search.php?mid=9510

Photo CR228L - mobile library. There is information about this bus on the Internet, so I cannot be 100% sure of the correct chassis:
http://fotobus.msk.ru/photo/2667235
https://twitter.com/hafilat/status/1380020861034463232

As far as I know, there were only two Volgren ambulances, but so quickly I can find photos of only one (they are already on the forum)
Those Mercedes Citaro that you said belong to the Dubai ambulance and have nothing to do with Abu Dhabi and Volgren / Hafilat. There are many photos on the Internet of two 12-meter and one 18-meter Citaro buses. As an example, one of the photos of the author who allowed me to publish it: http://fotobus.msk.ru/photo/2627920

There are several videos on YouTube for "Hafilat Industries", including this one:
https://youtu.be/NYbujhJfIK8
There are many SC222s and one CR228L on a Volvo chassis and the same ambulance Volvo CR228L, photos of which are already on the forum. The assembly process of the SC 222 too.

I also have some interesting photos, including a CR228L for Australia at the factory:
http://fotobus.msk.ru/photo/2666286
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BnBoxitCMAI9RYG.jpg

CR228L RHD built for Australia at the Hafilat plant: (you probably have this information)
Grenda's Bus Services:
№ 281 - 7338.AO
№ 282 - 7320.AO
№ 283 - 7339.AO
№ 284 - 7337.AO
№ 285 - 7341.AO
№ 286 - 7342.AO
I have VIN numbers and serial numbers of these buses, but it seems to me that you also have this information. I can send this if needed

I hope you find this information useful,
Glad to be helpful!

Mikhail
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Re: Volgren Discussion / Observations

Post by BanksfielderIdiot823 »

reshz, thank you for your service, mate. The information you have delivered regarding Hafilat has been absolutely helpful and without a doubt served as a big contribution to this topic.
ScaniaGrenda wrote: Sun Jul 18, 2021 8:58 am I think I may know where the RHD bodied Volgren Abu Dhabi buses ended up here, Somewhere with Ventura in Melbourne, all were also Mercedes O500LE's. I'm not from Melbourne so I haven't seen these in person but I have seen photos online before of them, of course they wouldn't look different for any reason and you'd be hard-pressed without looking at Fleet-Lists to know those came from Abu Dhabi but their out there.
Yep; they’re all in the southeast of Melbourne with Ventura, delivered during the Grenda Bus Service era.

281 (Body no. VU0003) is at Seaford
282 (VU0004), 283 (VU0005), 284 (VU0006) & 285 (VU0007) are all at Pakenham
286 (VU0008) is at Dandenong
Volgren all day, every day
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Re: Volgren Discussion / Observations

Post by Enviro 500 »

Hmm, is that a CBU unit? Didn't know Volgren was developing its own chassis too.
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Re: Volgren Discussion / Observations

Post by Lt. Commander Data »

Enviro 500 wrote: Mon Apr 04, 2022 3:03 am
Hmm, is that a CBU unit? Didn't know Volgren was developing its own chassis too.
They're not. As the article states, "negotiations with a suitable chassis OEM are currently underway".
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Re: Volgren Discussion / Observations

Post by Enviro 500 »

Lt. Commander Data wrote: Mon Apr 04, 2022 2:08 pm
Enviro 500 wrote: Mon Apr 04, 2022 3:03 am
Hmm, is that a CBU unit? Didn't know Volgren was developing its own chassis too.
They're not. As the article states, "negotiations with a suitable chassis OEM are currently underway".
Interesting to know who is keen to work with them. I hope it happens to be Scania.
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Re: Volgren Discussion / Observations

Post by Campbelltown busboy »

Here's more on the Volgren hydrogen bus idea and the chassis is Wrightbus

https://www.truckandbus.net.au/hydrogen ... ell-buses/
HYDROGEN INITIATIVE – VOLGREN TO BUILD LOCAL HYDROGEN FUEL CELL BUSES
March 29, 2022 Jon Thomson Truck and Bus News

Volgren has announced it will use a grant from the Victorian state government to develop its first Australian designed and built, commercial-grade hydrogen fuel cell electric bus.

The two vehicles will be built locally in Dandenong, and will be part of the Victorian Government’s Renewable Hydrogen Commercialisation Pathways Fund, providing what the company describes as a ‘valuable insights on the performance and commercialisation of hydrogen buses in Victoria’.

Volgren says it expects to finalise a prototype for demonstration and on-road testing by mid-next year and negotiations with a suitable OEM chassis manufacturer is currently underway.

Thiago Deiro, CEO of Volgren said the project is an exciting opportunity to introduce hydrogen fuel cell electric buses in Victoria and develop local expertise in clean energy utilisation.

“Volgren has always been at the vanguard of adopting new technologies. We’ve proven that with the development of our Battery Electric Buses and now we have the opportunity to do the same with our first hydrogen prototype.”

“This valuable investment from the Victorian Government prioritises renewable transport options and supports Victorian jobs. It also contributes to the Victorian Government’s clean energy transition and will help support Victoria’s long-term target of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050,” he said.

Deiro said the investment would enable Volgren to design a hydrogen bus for local conditions and work towards a continuous production of hydrogen vehicles.

“By creating local manufacturing capabilities, you reduce the dependency of importing full hydrogen buses. You also develop the local supply chain and the training needed to service and maintain hydrogen technology.”

“It also means operators and governments can be confident that their vehicle will be on the road for 15 years or more,” he added.

Deiro said a key part of the project would be ensuring key safety requirements are met for flammable gasses, high voltage system and battery storage system.

It is estimated that the Optimus-bodied, hydrogen prototype will reduce emissions by around 30 tonnes of CO2 per year compared to a diesel bus.

“Volgren is committed to contributing to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the transportation system and believe both electric and hydrogen buses have a place in a zero carbon world,” he added.
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Re: Volgren Discussion / Observations

Post by Enviro 500 »

Looks like Wright is now out of administration and back in the black.
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Re: Volgren Discussion / Observations

Post by Campbelltown busboy »

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Re: Volgren Discussion / Observations

Post by BanksfielderIdiot823 »

Campbelltown busboy wrote: Tue Jul 26, 2022 1:10 pm Take a read of this
https://www.busnews.com.au/industry-new ... nd-volgren
DAMN... RIGHT!!!
Volgren all day, every day
Dear T80; If the decker's not a Volgren, I'm not interested.
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Re: Volgren Discussion / Observations

Post by Campbelltown busboy »

BanksfielderIdiot823 wrote: Tue Jul 26, 2022 4:28 pm
Campbelltown busboy wrote: Tue Jul 26, 2022 1:10 pm Take a read of this
https://www.busnews.com.au/industry-new ... nd-volgren
DAMN... RIGHT!!!
I should of quoted the story
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Re: Volgren Discussion / Observations

Post by BanksfielderIdiot823 »

Campbelltown busboy wrote: Tue Jul 26, 2022 5:15 pmI should of quoted the story
Don’t worry mate, the link was good enough. It just that to be alive to see a joint manufacturing partnership between my favourite bus body builder and my favourite bus operator, and to see another round of Volgrens potentially being built so close to my old stomping grounds (may be their second manufacturing plant in NSW after we lost Tomago), to me personally, seeing that story just meant something so special, and for at least once in the case of the western suburbs, something to actually look forward to.
Volgren all day, every day
Dear T80; If the decker's not a Volgren, I'm not interested.
Westbus Fairfield + Dandy Hub = perfection
Good old Collingwood forever.
Long live the potato cake.
tonyp
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Re: Volgren Discussion / Observations

Post by tonyp »

CDC - isn't that Hellsbus, the company that won't let you out the back door when you want to get out?

Why do they have a depot in St Marys which is way out of their operating region? Or was it deliberately built as a factory?

Interesting that they're in the same industrial estate as the other major electric bus manufacturer.
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