The first of 50 new hybrid buses have been introduced to Melbourne public transport routes marking the biggest single order of hybrid buses in Australia.
The buses, featuring Volvo hybrid driveline and Volgren bodywork, are being introduced by transport operator CDC Victoria, a subsidiary of ComfortDelGro group which operates in seven countries and has a global fleet of around 43,300 vehicles.
Each bus is directly supporting the local automotive industry in Victoria with body manufacturing and fit-out being carried out by Volgren in Dandenong.
In testing, the Volvo hybrid driveline has been shown to reduce nitrogen oxide and particulate emissions by up to 50%, as well as reducing fuel and carbon dioxide emissions by up to 40%, meeting Euro 6 emission standards.
The introduction follows successful trials across Victoria which found the vehicles use 30% less fuel and significantly reduce noise during idling and when departing stops.
The first bus hit the streets of Melbourne on April 5 and will be followed by another 30 buses being phased in over the next 12 months. All 50 buses in the hybrid fleet will be in service on CDC routes in Wyndham, Oakleigh and Sunshine by mid-2022.
CDC Victoria chief executive Nicholas Yap says his team are proud of the modernisation of the fleet.
“Our new fleet of hybrid buses is an exciting development which demonstrates our ongoing commitment to delivering transport innovation by reducing both the emissions and fuel consumption of our fleet.
“As a business, we’re deeply committed to helping shape a better future for the next generation through reducing our carbon footprint,” Yap says.
