Aarhus, Denmark: 29 e-buses launched

29 new Volvo 7900 Electric Articulated have just been put in operation in Aarhus in Denmark. The second biggest city in Denmark is the latest of several cities to implement electric buses on a larger scale.

In June 2020 the six largest Danish municipalities set a commitment to buy only zero emission buses from 2021 on. It means that, starting this year, all the new buses for public transport in Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense, Aalborg, Vejle and Frederiksberg must be powered via electricity.

AarBus operating electric buses

The new Volvo 7900 Electric Articulated in Aarhus are operated by the bus operator AarBus. They will not operate a fixed route but will be deployed on departures with many passengers. The buses are charged by CCS cable at night at one of AarBus’ facilities, via Ekoenergetyka charging stations. During the day, the overnight charge is supplemented by additional charging during stops at the facility. The Volvo 7900 Electric Articulated are 18.6 meters long, have low floor, and can transport up to 120 passengers.

The new 29 Volvo 7900 Electric Articulated buses are an important step in Aarhus municipality’s goal of having all city buses CO2-neutral by 2027. The new buses will mean an expected annual CO2 saving of approximately 2,200 tons, Volvo Buses calculates.

“There is progress in the green transition in public transport. We are happy about that – both for the environment and for customers. As a transport company, it is a pleasure to offer customers a means of transport that is climate-friendly, has high availability and high comfort,” says Claus Wistoft, chairman of the board at Midttrafik, which is responsible for public transport in the Aarhus region.

“We see an increased interest in electromobility in cities all over Europe, as well as other parts of the world. We are proud to be a preferred partner and can offer complete electromobility systems for both small and large cities,” says Ulf Magnusson, SVP Europe at Volvo Buses.

“Every city is unique and to create an optimal electromobility system, it is vital that everything is properly designed to suit local conditions and needs. For that reason, our initial analysis, including route simulation, plays a crucial role in our business model,” says Ulf Magnusson.