The Volvo 7900E single-decker is part of Volvo’s Electromobility range. Eight more vehicles of a similar specification will enter service next year, part funded by the government’s Low Emission Bus scheme.
When they are in operation, the project will be the first of its kind in the UK introducing full electric vehicles using ‘opportunity charging’ via the European OPPCharge agreement and infrastructure, which can also be used by various vehicle types.
“We’ve worked closely with Volvo on the specification for these new buses and each vehicle will receive power from one of the overhead masts, enabling completely emission-free journeys from start to finish. We’re very proud to be bringing this revolutionary technology to Harrogate,” says Alex Hornby, chief executive of The Harrogate Bus Company, part of Transdev Blazefield.
The new electric bus project is also being welcomed by Andrew Jones, transport minister and Harrogate and Knaresborough MP. He says: “Transdev Blazefield has shown huge ambition, and the technology for this is a first for the UK.
“There were many bids from large organisations for this funding, and it is a testament to the powerful case put forward by Transdev Blazefield, and supported by Harrogate Borough Council, that we have won £2.25 million of that money to make this electric vision for transport in our town a reality.”
Pictured, left to right, are: Daniel Barwick of Volvo Bus UK & Ireland; Ulf Magnusson of Volvo Bus Corporation; Saskia Legate, Volvo Bus UK & Ireland; Gordon Irvine, engineering director for Transdev Blazefield; Alex Hornby, CEO, Transdev Blazefield; and Phil Owen, Volvo Bus UK & Ireland.