Volvo to supply Ireland’s first electric bus

Volvo Bus is to supply Ireland’s first electric bus.

A Volvo 7900e fully-electric single-decker is to be supplied to the Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport Hotel. It is set to come into service later this year. The project is being undertaken by Volvo Bus, Crowne Plaza Hotel (part of the Tifco Hotel Group), and Irish energy brand ESB.

A charging solution is being delivered by ESB’s Smart Energy Services.

Nick Page, MD for Volvo Bus UK & Ireland, said: “We’re really pleased that the 7900e has been chosen to provide services for these hotels in and around Dublin Airport and that it will be the first electric bus to enter operation anywhere in Ireland.

“We’ve seen from experience with the 7900e the kind of contribution that can be made to improving air quality.  In addition to the UK trials, it has been successfully tried and tested across Europe in countries including Sweden, Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg.

“We have already sold more than 150 7900e buses and many are already in service throughout Europe. In the UK it has been adopted for use in a town service situation in Harrogate.

“Our vision at Volvo Bus is to develop a range of vehicles, which include hybrids, electric hybrids and full electric, to deliver improved air quality in the surroundings in which they operate. We believe that working together they will significantly improve the environment for those who visit work and live in towns and cities.”