Volvo B5RLEH

Volvo B5RLEH
Volgren-bodied B5RLEH in September 2013
Overview
ManufacturerVolvo
Production2013–present
Body and chassis
ClassHybrid-electric single-decker bus chassis
Body styleSingle-decker bus
Doors2 doors
Floor typeLow entry
ChassisVolvo B5RLE
Powertrain
EngineVolvo D5F215
Capacity76 Passengers
TransmissionVolvo I-Shift 12 speed
Dimensions
Length11.5m
Width2.55m
Chronology
PredecessorVolvo B7RLE (Australia)

First announced in August 2012,[1] the Volvo B5RLEH, also known as Volvo B5RH and Volvo B215RH, is a hybrid-electric single-decker bus chassis manufactured by Volvo since 2013, initially only available in the Asia-Pacific region.[2]

There is also a B215RH model for Latin America, manufactured by Volvo in Brazil, available as both low- and high-floor chassis.[3]

Operators

In January 2013, Australian operator Transperth took delivery of a Volgren bodied B5RLEH for use on its Perth Central Area Transit network.[4][5]

In January 2014, a second Volgren bodied Volvo B5RLEH commenced a 12-month trial with Adelaide operator Torrens Transit.[6]

In March 2015, a third Volgren bodied Volvo B5RLEH commenced a six month trial with Singapore operator SBS Transit.[7] It debuted on Express 506 from 1 March 2015 and later operated on services 185 and 143 till 10 September 2015. On 11 February 2016, an additional six month-trial was permitted[8] and the bus was redeployed to the Ang Mo Kio Depot for operations on services 268 and 13. At the end of the trial period, the bus was deregistered and returned to Australia, where it was operated by CDC Melbourne until March 2019.[9]

In April 2015, the first Volgren bodied Volvo B5RLEH commenced a trial with Brisbane operator Transport for Brisbane.[10]

Between June 2017 and December 2018, ACTION leased a demonstrator Volvo B5RLEH with a Bustech body as part of the Australian Capital Territory's electric bus trial. It was registered as BUS712, and was wrapped in a special livery before starting service, as it arrived in the standard Transport for NSW livery. It ran alongside two BYD Toro electric buses as part of this trial.[11]

In June 2019 Port Stephens Coaches begun using two Bustech bodied Volvo B5RLEHs on student university shuttles between University of Newcastle's Newcastle and Callaghan campuses.[12]

Engines

D5F,[13] 4,764 cc (291 cu in), in-line 4 cyl. turbodiesel (2013–present)

  • D5F215 - 161 kilowatts (216 bhp), 800 Nm, Euro 5/EEV

References

  1. ^ Volvo and PTA partner for Hybrid Trial Volvo Buses Australia 9 August 2012
  2. ^ Volvo launches first hybrid bus in Asia-Pacific Volvo Buses Australia 17 January 2013
  3. ^ Volvo B215RH 4x2 Híbrido especificaciones Volvo Buses América Latina
  4. ^ Volvo Launches First Hybrid Bus in Asia Pacific Volvo Bus News January 2013
  5. ^ Review: Volvo B5RLE Hybrid Trade Trucks 21 August 2013
  6. ^ Hybrid Trial Continues Australasian Bus & Coach 18 March 2014
  7. ^ Road Traffic (Volvo Diesel Hybrid Bus Trial) (Exemption) Order 2014
  8. ^ Road Traffic (Volvo Diesel Hybrid Bus Trial) (Exemption) Order 2016
  9. ^ 1FW2HP Australian Bus Fleet Lists
  10. ^ Brisbane Goes Hybrid Australasian Bus & Coach 21 November 2013
  11. ^ BUS 712 ACT Bus Wiki
  12. ^ "Hunter Transport Company Pioneering Hybrid Buses". NBN News.
  13. ^ Volvo B5LH spec sheet Volvo Buses