All are two-axle 12-metre, three-door, low-floor city buses claimed to run on 80% lower energy consumption than corresponding diesel buses, also delivering quiet, emission-free operation.
They are powered by electric motors taking their power from lithium ion batteries that will be charged at end stops in three-to-six minutes via OppCharge 150kW or 300kW, wireless-controlled conductive static charging pantograph systems.
Sales-Lentz is one of the largest PSV operators in Luxemburg and has form with alternative drive technologies, having been the first to buy Volvo hybrid buses in Europe back in 2009.
Today, the firm operates a fleet of 24 Volvo hybrids and 12 Volvo electric hybrids. The new all-electric buses are due to start operating in the second quarter of 2017.
Volvo will be responsible for vehicle servicing, including battery maintenance, for a fixed monthly cost.
“We want to rethink the effectiveness of all our actions, particularly our communal transport ‘Diffbus’,” states Roberto Traversini, mayor of the city of Differdange.
“Electric buses are a cost-efficient solution for cities to reduce the problems of poor air quality and noise. Emission-free, silent buses also open up entirely new possibilities for urban planning”, comments Håkan Agnevall, president of Volvo Buses.
In other news, Ridleys Coaches, of Kenilworth, has taken delivery of another new Volvo B8R SC5 for private, school hire and touring work, as part of its ongoing fleet expansion.
“We almost always specify Volvo and we have had such great success with the new B11R and B8R we purchased last year that we are back for another coach, with a long term plan to operate an all Volvo fleet,” states Jordan Ridley, managing director of Ridleys Coaches.
“The Volvo B8R Euro 6 chassis, combined with the Sunsundegui SC5 bodywork, offers the best in fuel efficiency and versatile operation,” he continues.
“It has a very well designed chassis with a surprisingly spacious interior… Being slightly shorter, this is the perfect coach for us as it is easier to navigate on narrower routes.”