VOLVO

For the first time, an all-electric brand bus will run in South America

The vehicle, a Volvo 7900 Electric model, will travel on RED Metropolitana de Mobilidade, a public transport system in the Chilean capital. The operation is scheduled to start in January and will last for four months. The model will then be tested in Bogotá, Colombia. The objective is to validate the brand's renowned electric bus technology also in the severe demands of public transport in Latin America.

“Volvo pioneered hybrid buses on the continent, with vehicles in regular operation since 2012, in Brazil and Colombia. And now we are taking another step in our electromobility journey, bringing a 100% electric bus from Europe for tests here”, says Fabiano Todeschini, president of Volvo Buses Latin America.

During tests in Santiago, Volvo will monitor data such as bus range (kW/km), performance, direction, passenger comfort, noise levels, connectivity and performance in zones with remote speed control.

“Our objective is to show passengers, operators and transport authorities the 100% electric Volvo bus and study the scenario for a possible future introduction of this technology in Chile”, says Jose Antonio Margalet, commercial director for Volvo buses in the country.

Tests on the continent...Santiago will be the second Latin American metropolis to test the Volvo electric model. Before the Chilean capital, the Volvo 7900 Electric passed through Mexico City, one of the largest cities on the planet, with a metropolitan region with more than 20 million inhabitants. The vehicle performed simulations of operation on the Metrobus, BRT in the Mexican capital.

“After Santiago, the Volvo electric bus will head to Bogotá, capital of Colombia, also for real operational tests on the Transmilenio, the city's BRT and one of the largest in the world”, assures Daniel Prado, Volvo's product planning manager.

Zero emissions and noise...The Volvo 7900 Electric is a model offered by the brand in Europe. Powered exclusively by an electric motor of 200 kW and with a maximum torque on the traction wheels of 19,000 Nm, it does not emit any pollutants or make noise during operation, contributing to the decarbonization of transport and the development of more sustainable cities. The batteries are lithium-ion batteries with a capacity of up to 330 kWh, ensuring autonomy throughout the daily journey. The vehicle is recharged at night, at the end of a full day of operation.

The unit to be tested in Santiago has a low floor, which allows easy access for passengers, with comfort and safety during departures and arrivals. The vehicle is 12 meters long and carries up to 95 people.

In addition to innovations in the propulsion system, the bus maintains all the renowned Volvo safety technology, with a pedestrian and cyclist detection system, state-of-the-art electronic disc brakes (EBS5), ABS, traction control (ASR), assistance from ramp start, LED lights, electronic stability control (ESP), among other features.

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