IN FOCUS
CDC VOLVO HYBRIDS
BUS ZONEMANAGEMENT TECH INTRODUCED INTO VICTORIA Committing to zero bus emissions in designated ‘zones’, Volvo Bus Australia and ComfortDelGro Australia have introduced ‘zone management’ technology on its hybrids, which will be ultimately rolled out nationwide.
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ollowing the recent introduction of Volvo’s Zone Management System, global key customer ComfortDelGro Corporation (CDC) is having this clean and innovative technology integrated into its Volvo B5LH S-Charge buses in its Victorian fleet to promote sustainable transport. CDC Victoria (CDCV) currently operates the largest existing self-charging bus electric fleet in Australia and maintains a shared focus with Volvo Bus Australia in having this technology lead the way towards long-term environmental sustainability, it states. This newly introduced system will enable CDCV’s existing S-charge bus fleet to achieve zero emissions in designated zones by operating exclusively in electric drive
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mode without relying on the electricity grid or requiring expensive infrastructure for charging, Volvo explains. In addition to offering environmental benefits, this innovative ‘Zone Management’ technology also has the capacity to enhance the passenger experience for commuters in promising a silent ride, and giving city-siders improved quality of life through decreased air and noise pollution, Volvo states.
GEO-FENCING Volvo’s Zone Management system facilitates various benefits by deploying advanced geo-fencing technology and telematics, Volvo explains. This technology is the first of its kind within Australia and is paving the way to a more innovative, efficient and
environmentally friendly future for transport, it adds. “We are so excited to be the first in Australia to achieve zone-based zero emissions on our existing S-Charge bus fleet and believe that this technology innovation revolutionises our Victorian operations without the need for extensive infrastructure,” said CEO of ComfortDelGro Australia, Nicholas Yap. “This new system will greatly benefit the local community promising a silent ride with zero emissions in a variety of locations, for a cleaner, greener Australia,” stated Yap.
CONNECTED SERVICES Additional to allowing operators to program buses to automatically switch to electric mode within selected zone areas, this
ABC January 2021 busnews.com.au
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