Asia Bizz: Karnataka transport minister R Ashok announced on on January 23, 2012 that the new Volvo hybrid buses will soon be launched on the roads of Bangalore. The New Volvo bus was launched at the recently concluded Delhi Auto Expo 2012 in India.
The new bus will have a two month trial run in the IT city and the 105 seater bus is expected to run on the roads of the south Indian city from this month itself.
The preliminary reports have stated that the new bus cuts diesel fuel costs by 30 percent and even the emissions are significantly less. The officials state that the new Volvo 7700 hybrid has an electric as well as a diesel engine which can be used individually or jointly.
The battery to drive the motor is charged through re-generative braking. The officials also revealed that the engine shuts off when the vehicle is stationary and does not start again unless the bus reaches 15-20kmph due to which it has become fuel efficient. The minister said that the new bus depot will be established at Challakere, Tumkur, Mysore, Hassan and Udupi under the public-private partnership. A divisional workshop will also be set up on Puttur.
On January 24, the foundation stone will be laid at the outskirts of the city.
