CDC Victoria’s hybrid buses in Melbourne get tech for zero-emissions streets

CDC Victoria’s locally built Volvo hybrid buses will be fitted with technology innovation to achieve the goal of zero emissions in designated zones of Melbourne (Australia). 

The aim is to make Victoria’s public transport network greener and more sustainable, following the launch of Volvo’s Zone Management System. This will improve the experience for passengers on Melbourne public transport, but also for pedestrians and outdoors diners.

In 2019 Melbourne has started to receive 50 hybrid buses (based on Volvo hybrid driveline with Volgren bodywork) for Victoria’s public transport network.

This new system introduced follows an extensive trial and will allow the existing hybrid (self-charging electric) buses to operate exclusively in electric drive mode within designated zones. In this way, hybrid buses in Melbourne will guarantee a silent ride for commuters and less noise for residents and other road users.

Hybrid buses in Melbourne: technology behind a ZE system

The innovative Zone Management System revolutionises and optimises the Victoria’s hybrids performances, without relying on the electricity grid or requiring expensive infrastructure for charging. Volvo’s Zone Management system is powered by geofencing technology and telematics, which is a first for Australia and within the Asia Pacific region.

This technology innovation also directly supports the local automotive industry in Victoria: the system allows for job creation and maintenance, a cleaner environment and promotes transport resilience for Australia.

Nine of the hybrid buses in Melbourne with the Volvo’s Zone Management system have already commenced operations on the streets.The fleet of buses includes bus Route 605 (which runs into Melbourne CBD, the Botanical Gardens and the Shrine of Remembrance) and Route 630, which serves Monash University and Huntingdale Station. The existing CDC Victoria’s hybrid fleet will be fitted with this new system in two stages over the next 4 months.

Melbourne, less infrastructures with hybrid buses

CEO of ComfortDelGro Australia (the group that owns CDC Victoria) Nicholas Yap says “We are so excited to be the first in Australia to achieve zone based zero emissions on our existing hybrid bus fleet and believe that this technology innovation revolutionizes our Victorian operations without the need for extensive infrastructure. 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.”

Vice President Volvo Bus, Asia Pacific David Mead comments “Volvo’s partnership with CDC spans the country. We are excited to be partnering with CDC on this journey in Melbourne and for allowing us to introduce innovation with a trusted partner. The application of Volvo’s Zone management feature will allow our customers’ like CDC to drive longer and emission free on electricity without the need to modify their operations”.