One of the largest bus companies in Scandinavia is expanding its Norwegian fleet and electromobility is high on its agenda. Vy Buss AS will have 150 electric buses on the road by the summer of 2021 and is ready to meet the challenges ahead.
Vy’s electromobility partnership with Volvo Buses started in 2019 when its first full size electric bus – the Volvo 7900 Electric – began operating for the public transport authority in the Norwegian town of Drammen. There are now six on the road in the town, with a further 22 (including 2 Volvo 7900EA’s) to be delivered in autumn 2020. Coupled with another order for 10 Volvo electric buses for Vy’s public transport operations in Ålesund, the company’s relationship with Volvo Buses is integral to the expansion of its electric fleet in Norway.
However, Ole Engebret, recalls, “We actually purchased our first electric bus way back in 2007. It was a minibus for a simple shuttle operation in Trondheim, Norway. We called it Gulliver and it had two battery packs that took ten minutes to charge,” he pauses and laughs a little.
Vy Buss AS has come a long way since then. As part of the successful Vy Group, which also operates passenger trains and freight transport, it carries around half a million people daily in Norway and Sweden. Vy’s main objective as one of Scandinavia’s largest bus operators is to become the leader in sustainability in its sector by 2025 and provide services that are environmentally friendly, accessible and safe for its passengers. Investment in the electrification of its fleet is therefore a high priority.
“Volvo Buses has been with us from the start of our electromobility journey, but we have also purchased their diesel buses and have had a close collaboration with them for decades. Our relationship with Volvo Buses is strong – we believe in the quality of the product and the strength of their dealer and workshop network in Norway is highly valued by us. Volvo has also adapted well to our requirements, providing all maintenance work on their buses as part of the partnership,” says Ole Engebret Haugen.
Charging ahead
So far, the implementation of electric buses in Drammen, a city in Norway, has been seamless. The in-depot charging infrastructure is in place and feedback on the buses has been very positive. The drivers like how quiet and smooth they are to drive, and the technical staff and local management have been pleased with how the operation is running.
There are some wider challenges ahead though, says Ole Engebret Haugen. Norway is one of the world’s leaders when it comes to sustainable solutions in its cities. By 2025, one of its environmental goals is for all new buses in city traffic to have zero emissions. The introduction of more electric buses is crucial if the nation is to meet this objective.
“The PTAs in Norway are under increasing pressure to meet tough environmental targets. For example, Oslo’s aim is to be emission free by 2028 and Ruter, the PTA, is working hard towards that goal. Many of the PTA’s we work with demand electric buses, but the transition requires funding. Luckily in Drammen some funding was available, but it’s not always that straightforward,” he explains.
Understanding – key to success
Before a bus tender is submitted, dialogue meetings between PTA’s and PTO’s are arranged. Collaboration is key to our success. But although we can incorporate our wishes and views on how we can work towards zero emissions in the dialogue with the PTA’s, it is the PTA that ultimately determines the requirements of the tender,” says Ole Engebret Haugen.
Another challenge is that all the parties involved are having to adapt to new technology that is still evolving. Responsibility also needs to be taken for adequate charging infrastructure. “Everyone needs to learn and understand electric buses – not just how they work but also what they require. And that takes time and effort,” he says.
Nonetheless, Ole Engebret Haugen has a positive outlook for the future of electric buses. “We’re learning and developing very quickly to deliver smart, safe, accessible and green mobility solutions that get people out of their cars and onto our buses. Our electromobility journey has come incredibly far since the days of running one electric minibus in Trondheim all those years ago. It’s a fascinating transition towards a more sustainable future that I am proud to be a part of.”