Volvo Buses scooped the 2021 International Association of Public Transport (UITP) award in the climate and health category for its successful electromobility implementation in Gothenburg, Sweden.
The UITP Awards showcase the most ambitious and innovative public transport projects of the last two years in cities and regions across the globe. The 2021 awards ceremony took place in Dubai on 6 February 2022.
Volvo Buses delivered a complete e-mobility system including 145 Volvo 7900 electric articulated buses and charging infrastructure, which has been a major contribution to Gothenburg’s mission to become fossil-independent by 2030. Close partnerships with the local public transport authority Västtrafik, and the bus operators Transdev, were essential for the project to succeed. Implementation of the entire electromobility system and bus fleet took place overnight for a seamless transition.
The environmental benefits have been significant. Calculations show that CO2 emissions in city traffic have been reduced by 10% compared to the replaced vehicles, which were already running on renewable fuels. Emissions of nitrogen oxides have almost halved and particles have decreased by almost 20%.
Mohamed Mezghani, secretary general, UITP, said: “The UITP Awards celebrate the most ambitious and cutting-edge projects from around the globe. Volvo Buses and the Gothenburg delivery exceeded expectations on all the criteria that we set. We felt the project excelled at enhancing quality of life in urban areas by promoting public transport while positioning it as the backbone of urban and local mobility. The project managed to do this innovatively, with prospects for replication by our colleagues in the sector.”
Ulf Magnusson, SVP Europe, Volvo Buses, said: “Electrifying 35% of a city bus fleet overnight demands extensive planning, close collaborations and expertise. The project is part of our ongoing commitment to quiet, clean and sustainable public transport that helps to create ‘zero cities’ all over the world.”
Volvo Buses is conducting a six-month passenger trial of two electric buses in Dubai, in partnership with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The trial follows Volvo Buses recent global tests of the Volvo electromobility solutions in warm climates with an ambient temperature often exceeding 40°C, and buses operating at full capacity.