Volvo's electric bus set to leave depot for public use

 

The new bus route 55 in Gothenburg will feature three all-electric buses and seven electric-hybrid buses Next month, Gothenburg's public transport will get a little bit greener. The Swedish city will see the introduction of its first fully electric buses. According to Volvo, which makes the vehicles, they use 80 percent less energy than diesel equivalents. The buses, which were announced back in 2013, are being introduced on a new route. Route 55 will run between the Lindholmen and Chalmers/Johanneberg areas of the city and will be served by three all-electric buses and seven electric-hybrid buses. The new route is part of the ElectriCity scheme, through which research, industry and city bodies seek to develop, demonstrate and evaluate the next-generation of sustainable public transport. In addition to offering quiet, exhaust-free buses, the route will see the buses powered by electricity from renewable sources and passengers picked up indoors. The buses measure 10.7 m (35.1 ft) long and can carry up to 86 passengers, with the central position of the driver’s seat helping to maximize capacity. Volvo says they are designed to be modern and welcoming with bright and airy interiors. Amongst their features are power sockets for passengers to recharge their mobile phones and on-board Wi-Fi. The firm says that passengers also helped to shape the design of the vehicles. Aspects that were developed through passenger input include extra-wide and low-access doors for quick boarding and alighting, and a spacious flat floor for good stroller and wheelchair access. "This marks a major milestone in our development of new solutions for electrified buses," says president of Volvo Buses Håkan Agnevall. "Quiet and entirely exhaust-free operation will contribute both to a better urban environment and reduced climate impact, while passengers get a more pleasant ride." The buses are currently undergoing final testing to ensure that they can operate with no problems in regular city traffic. They will go into operation on route 55 on June 15. Sources: Volvo, ElectriCity

"Affordable" Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicle concept has a range of 200 miles

 

The Chevrolet Bolt EV concept has a range of 200 miles (322 km) and should cost around $30,000 (Photo: Loz Blain/Gizmag) Image Gallery (13 images) Two of the biggest obstacles to the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) have been their prohibitively high prices and limited ranges. Chevrolet's new Bolt EV concept seeks to tackle both of these factors. It is designed to go 200 miles (322 km) per charge and cost from around US$30,000. Chevrolet says it has used the knowledge gained from its Volt and Spark EVs to produce the Bolt. "We have made tremendous strides in technologies that make it easier and more affordable for Chevrolet customers to integrate an all-electric vehicle in their daily lives," said General Motors CEO Mary Barra. Amongst the technologies present in the car is the ability to change driving mode depending on the environment in which it is being used. Available modes are tailored towards daily commuting and "spirited weekend cruising," as well as other situations. Selecting different modes changes aspects of the car's setup, such as accelerator pedal mapping, vehicle ride height and suspension tuning. The Bolt is also said to support DC fast charging and has LED headlights and taillights. The Bolt's weight has been kept to a minimum by using lightweight materials, including aluminum, magnesium, carbon fiber and woven mesh. This helps to increase the vehicle's range. Chevrolet says the car has been designed in such a way as to minimize any overhang at both the front and the rear, maximizing interior space. A large glass roof and large expanses of glass right around the vehicle, meanwhile, allows plenty of light in and increases visibility. A variety of technologies are used inside the Bolt aimed at improving the driving experience. A 10-in touchscreen on the dashboard provides vehicle information, whilst the Bolt EV Connect app allows a user's smartphone to be used as a key fob and for ride-sharing management. The app also allows users to exit the vehicle and instruct it to park itself, before summoning it back to their location at a later time. The Chevrolet Bolt EV concept is currently on display at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. There is no word on commercial availability. Source: Chevrolet Share About the Author Stu is a tech writer based in Liverpool, UK. He has previously worked on global digital estate management at Amaze and headed up digital strategy for FACT (Foundation for Art and Creative Technology). He likes cups of tea, bacon sandwiches and RSS feeds.   All articles by Stu Robarts