Volvo’s new steering system at Busworld

Volvo Buses is to display two major new products at Busworld in Kortrijk, Belgium on 16 to 21 October 2015. These are the Volvo Dynamic Steering (VDS) stabilisation system and the Volvo 7900 Electric, the manufacturer’s first series produced electric bus under its own brand.
VDS is currently being integrated into several of Volvo’s coach models. It is designed to enable substantially better directional stability, comfort and safety and reduces the risk of drivers incurring occupational injuries. It automatically compensates for uneven road surfaces, eliminating vibration and steering kicks. When driving at low speeds, steering wheel inertia is reduced by around 75%, according to the company, which it says makes reversing easier. The system also facilitates steering, with the wheel automatically returning to centre when the driver’s grip is loosened somewhat. At high speeds, the bus should maintain consistent direction, even on poor road surfaces.

The Volvo 7900 Electric is the manufacturer’s first mass produced city bus powered exclusively by electricity. It is around 80% more energy efficient than a conventional diesel bus, according to the company. Its batteries are charged through the energy generated during engine braking, as well as at bus stops via the power grid. A battery charge via the power grid takes less than six minutes and corresponds to around 10km of driving. The Volvo 7900 is available in a 12m design.