HSL and Volvo are testing a hybrid bus

HSL and Volvo have are testing a hybrid bus on Helsinki internal route 55 from February 10 to 16. The hybrid bus is tested because low-emission alternatives are needed in the metropolitan area bus transport services. 

The Volvo hybrid bus uses only its electric motor when the bus starts and accelerates, and thus the diesel engine is turned off at bus stops and traffic lights. The electric motor is powered by lithium ion batteries placed on the roof of the bus. The batteries are charged when the bus brakes. The hybrid technology enables reduction of both  fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.

The bus has been tested in downtown Gothenburg and London for half a year. Carbon dioxide emissions have been a third from those emitted from diesel buses, particle emissions have been cut by even 50% and fuel consumption has been cut by about 30%. Also the noise level is lower than that of a diesel bus.

Reduction of fuel consumption and being environmentally friendly are important goals for public transport. HSL actively participates in the testing of alternative fuels and engine technologies.
The Volvo hybrid bus is presented to the media at Narinkkatori in Kamppi on Wednesday 17 February from 12am.

Along with HSL and Volvo, the operator of bus 55, Nobina Finland Oy, participates in the testing. 

Volvo 7700 hybrid
• Low-floor city bus
• 34 seats
• Diesel engine Volvo MD5, output 154 kW, emission class Euro5/EEV
• Output of electric motor 120kW
• Lithium ion batteries with 600V voltage and 4.8 kWh capacity
• So called parallel hybrid (combustion engine and electric motor work independently)