Volvo will this week officially launch its low emissions plug-in hybrid bus that offers to help cities slash carbon emissions and fuel use from their public transport fleets.

 

The automaker is set to unveil the Volvo 7900 Electric Hybrid at the International IAA Commercial Vehicles show in Hannover later this week, claiming 75 per cent lower CO2 emissions than a diesel vehicle.

 

The company has already signed contracts with several European cities for first deliveries of the buses over the coming year. Hamburg, in Germany Luxembourg and Stockholm, Sweden are set to use the new Volvo buses during the next year, while Gothenburg has already tested out the buses during the past year.

 

"Electric-hybrid buses and full-electric buses are tomorrow's solution for urban public transport," said Håkan Agnevall, president of Volvo Bus Corporation.

 

"They will allow us to reduce energy consumption, air pollution, climate impact and noise, which are some of the biggest challenges facing large cities worldwide."

 

The bus can drive for around seven kilometers on an electric motor, but also has a small diesel engine allowing to be used in hybrid mode too. It can also be quickly recharged in just six minutes, using an overhead charger, claims Volvo.