Volvo B5RLE HybridBetter business. Greener cities.

Cities of today are facing an urban challenge, where pollution, congestion and energy are important issues and sometimes the demands seem contradictory. Volvo is taking a stand here, and cooperates with cities and operators in order to find sustainable solutions. Hybrid technology represents a jump-start for improved public transport.

Offering hybrid technlogy sends a clear message to cities all over the world; capacity and environmental care are no longer mutually contradictory. Any city can start building a transport system that reduces emissions and noise, without the need for investments in infrastructure. An approach that helps improve public health and saves masses of energy.

Tried. Tested. Trusted. Volvo hybrid technology takes green efficiency to the next level. In fact we go far beyond legislation. It’s the most fuel-efficient and reliable hybrid solution on the market, delivering massive fuel savings and reduced emissions.

Positioned no. 1 hybrid in uptime and on a par with leading diesel buses, our hybrid technology is a solid foundation for your city fleet renewal and expansion. And the beauty of it is that you save a lot of fuel money. All the time – from day one.

Low noise, low fuel consumption, low emissions. That’s what a Volvo hybrid bus offers, and that’s what you can offer your customers and passengers. And not least, everyone can benefit from Volvo’s top position in reliability and safety.

future technology todayThe Urban Challenge

B E N E F I T SI N N O V A T I O N

The Volvo B5RLE is powered by our own unique parallel hybrid driveline. It offers several vital benefits in terms of functionality and flexibility. What is more, it features Volvo technology throughout and has proven to be superior in performance and reliability.

As a leading, and R&D-intensive, manufacturer Volvo has the ability to create a complete drive-

line where all the components are designed to work perfectly together for optimal perfor-mance and efficiency. Furthermore, as opposed to putting together parts from different manu-facturers, Volvo can assume full responsibility and offer service contracts that cover the entire hybrid system.

a unique solution Saves fuel, money andthe environment

Driver performanceIts manoeuvrability and road behaviour make the Volvo B5RLE Hybrid simply great to drive. Every-thing in the driver’s area is set for superior ergonomics. Add Driver Training and I-Coaching to fully exploit the potential of your buses.

Environmental performanceThe Volvo B5RLE Hybrid leads the way when it comes to providing environmental performance with a clear business upside. Reducing energy use and CO2 by up to 39% and hazardous emissions by almost 50%.

No. 1 in uptimePositioned no. 1 hybrid in uptime and on a par with leading diesel buses, giving it a top ranking by operators and PTAs throughout Europe.

Superior fuel efficiencyVolvo Hybrids are the most fuel-efficient buses on the market with some operators reporting savings exceeding 39%.

Silent comfortThe Volvo B5RLE Hybrid offers silent take-off and a pleasant experience on board and at the bus stop for waiting passengers. All thanks to a unique hybrid tech-nology and electrically powered auxiliary systems.

City centre capacityWith the Volvo B5RLE Hybrid you will get just the vehicle you need. It is built from the outset to cope with the specific needs of dense and demanding city traffic, and provides an ideal platform for high-quality body builders.

Business in partnershipOur promise is to be your best business partner, with services to maximise uptime, reduce life cycle cost and facilitate the management of your fleet.

World-class safetySafety is deep in Volvo’s DNA. Your drivers and passengers will benefit from the vehicle’s predictable and consistent road behaviour and wide range of safety features.

Fuel efficiency

Fuel-saving electric auxiliariesAir conditioning, power steering and brakes are examples of features that are electrically powered in a Volvo B5RLE Hybrid. This not only helps save fuel, it also means the bus is fully operational even when the diesel engine is switched off.

F U E L E F F I C I E N C Y

Fuel cost is crucial. Volvo’s unique hybrid technology is the most fuel-efficient on the market – widely proven in years of commercial operation. In fact, we have received reports from operators who have saved more than 39%. How?

The answer is Volvo’s unique parallel hybrid system. And with our advanced value-adding services, your productivity can be boosted even more. Fuel savings mean bottom line profit from day one. With the Volvo B5RLE Hybrid the future suddenly seems very present.

Save fuel onlineWith Fleet Management you can optimise maintenance costs and reduce fuel consumption. The detailed reports allow you to trace reasons for variations in fuel consumption. When you know whether it’s the vehicle, the driver or the route that is causing the problem, it’s easy to take action.

More efficient with driver trainingWith Driver Training you improve the skills of your drivers and save fuel, and there is huge potential here. Our expert trainers teach drivers worldwide how to drive more efficiently while at the same time providing the passengers with a pleasant ride.

With more than 2000 hybrids in commercial operation Volvo can present solid figures on actual fuel savings.

Save fuel – and money

In the United Kingdom, operators have over 500 Volvo hybrids in operation. So far. In London, the Volvo hybrids have proven to be second to none in terms of uptime and reliability. The fuel savings are in the range of 30–40%. With more than 2000 vehicles sold worldwide the technology identical to that of the B5RLE has certainly proven itself.Uptime

The Volvo Hybrid’s uptime results are better than for any other hybrid bus. In fact, they’re even on a par with the very best diesel buses. To date, customers in more than 25 countries have millions and millions of kilometres of experience in commercial operation. Reassuring figures demonstrate the outstanding reliability and efficiency of Volvo’s unique parallel hybrid system.

U P T I M E

Tailored Service ContractsWith our Service Contracts you get a service plan optimised for your business. Operational conditions, such as mileage, climate, frequency of stops, average speed etc. determine the solution. The result is maintenance exactly when needed, and assurance that only Genuine Volvo Parts are used – fitted by experts.

Vehicle Management ServicesAdding our maintenance planning service helps you optimise vehicle availability and avoid unplanned stops. Through on-board telematics you know exactly how much and under what conditions your fleet is running, allowing you to adapt your maintenance and optimise your operation.

Hybrid Battery ContractsMonitoring of the hybrid driveline eliminates any worries about battery performance. The operator can rest assured that the hybrid system always delivers sufficient capacity and performance.

It’s Volvo inside

With Volvo quality inside you havea solid base for long-term productivity.

some like it hotThe Volvo B5RLE is designed for untiring operation in any kind of climate. High-voltage air conditioning keeps your passengers happy. The hybrid battery is both cooled and heated to optimise capacity regardless of ambient temperature.

With the Volvo B5RLE Hybrid you’ll exceed your passengers’ comfort and convenience expectations. Its chassis is a no-compromise design focusing on high capacity yet with a very attractive passenger environment.

The Volvo Hybrid typically offers the same capacity as a corresponding diesel bus. The chassis design caters for efficient seat layouts and arrangements for swift boarding and exit. Furthermore, the chassis stability and roadhandling make the ride smoother.

Quiet comfortThe Volvo B5RLE Hybrid might stand out from the crowd, but it doesn’t make a lot of noise about it. On the contrary. Its unique hybrid technology contributes to an extremely silent and comfortable experience.

Picture this: The bus arrives at the bus stop and the diesel engine switches off. No idling engine, no emissions. The bus takes off in electric mode, accelerating quietly up to 20 km/h before the diesel engine takes over. The climate system, brakes and other auxiliaries are electrically powered, reducing noise during the ride. Honestly, it’s quite an experience.

C A P A C I T Y A N D C O M F O R T

A precision-built, rigid and durable chassis provides a perfect surface to accommodate the bodywork.

“i love this bus”

D R I V E R P E R F O R M A N C E

The manoeuvrability and driving feel are truly special in a Volvo. The hybrid driveline is completely autonomous and the driver notices only the added power and smooth acceleration while driving. The precise steering and effortless gear changes of the Volvo I-Shift make for outstanding driveability.

Volvo’s long experience of driver ergonomics results in an excellent set-up for a perfect driver’s environment. One example is the adjustable steering wheel and a new dashboard with enhanced human-machine interface that helps the driver stay focused and alert.

Gear up with I-ShiftVolvo’s legendary I-Shift is as smooth as an automatic transmission. It combines silent shifting with fuel efficiency and lets the hybrid system run under optimised conditions. The control software is optimised for city traffic efficiency.

I-Coaching improves driver performanceI-Coaching assists the driver in driving more safely, fuel efficiently and comfortably. It gives instant feedback on parameters such as over-revving, excessive idling, over-speed and harsh curving, helping the driver improve performance.

I love this bus. In fact it has become more interesting to drive and this one is one of the best buses I’ve ever driven.

It’s very comfortable, and I’ve experienced no problems whatsoever with the difference in technology. There is really

no difference in driving, compared to an ordinary diesel bus.Tanja Reed, driver, AtB Trondheim Norway

Embark on a

safer rideGoing by bus or coach is the safest way to travel. Especially when you rely on Volvo. In dense city traffic, ride comfort and safety are closely interlinked. That’s why road behaviour, smooth gear-shifting and powerful yet sensitive braking are such important safety features.

Volvo safety also includes the hybrid system. High-voltage security provides for safe maintenance and service work, and the battery’s durability is tested in every way possible. On the more spectacular side, we’ve even set an entire bus on fire just to prove there are no safety issues with hybrid technology.

S A F E T Y

Excellent handling and brakingVolvo safety is renowned and the B5RLE Hybrid is no exception. Disc brakes combined with the EBS electronic braking system, which controls ABS/ASR functions. Sepa-rate circuits for front and rear wheels. Lining wear sensors and analysis. Brake blending, drag torque control, hill start aid and much more add up to an unbeatable whole.

Alert and focused driverThe Volvo B5RLE Hybrid offers a solid base for a superior driver’s environment. A new, easy-to-view dashboard with an enhanced human-machine interface minimise driver distraction, in combination with the adjustable steering wheel, are just a couple of its features.

Practice makes perfect Even your best and most skilled drivers will benefit from our driver training. Not only will they drive more safely, a more conscious driving style will reduce fuel consumption as well as wear and tear. And with I-Coaching the driver gets even more help to drive more safely and stay focused.

Emissions, air quality and health The best way to reduce emissions is to reduce fuel con-sumption. With our unique parallel hybrid technology, CO2 is reduced by up to 39%. If you look at NOx and particulates the figure can exceed 50%.

Imagine what it would mean to public health if all buses were like this. Volvo hybrids are simply the best way to reduce the environmental impact caused by public trans-port, while at the same time increasing profitability in your entire city fleet.

Low noise emissionVolvo’s unique parallel hybrid technology contributes to reduced noise – both for passengers and in the city environment. No engine idling at the bus stop, silent take-off in electric mode and battery-powered auxiliaries reduce disturbing noise to a minimum.

E N V I R O N M E N T A L P E R F O R M A N C E

Volvo hybrid technology leads the way when it comes to providing environmental performance with a clear business upside. We call it Green Efficiency, and it allows you to drive a better business with less harmful impact.

Volvo engines are peak performers when it comes to emissions. And with the reduced fuel consumption combined with high passenger capacity, the environmental impact per passenger kilometre is sensationally low. You can watch legislation comfortably in the rear-view mirror.

The Volvo Hybrid driveline is a clean power package. The diesel engine’s 240 hp is boosted by an additional 120 kW pure electric power.

Green efficiency

Pays off

V O L V O B U S S E R V I C E S

What’s your

main concern?Volvo offers a range of services from which to choose. All our services are based on the concerns expressed by our customers. When we introduce new technology, such as hybrid drive, we design services to make sure that risk and uncertainty are minimised.

Our objective is to establish and maintain long-term, mutually beneficial co-operation, with your productivity and service level in firm focus. Quite simply, we want to be your best business partner.

Discover more on www.volvobuses.com

Facts and figures

Volvo B5RLE Hybrid

Powertrain – parallel hybrid system

Configuration

Emission standard Euro 6 or Euro 5

Diesel engine

Output [hp]Torque [Nm]

Volvo D5F215, 4-cylinder, in-line diesel engine with common rail injection 215918

Electric motor Power output, max [kW] Torque, max [Nm]

Volvo I-SAM120800

Energy storage system Lithium-Ion battery

Transmission Volvo I-Shift automated gear-changing system

Exhaust system

Single-box silencer design.

Fuel tanks

Diesel [l] Mounted 50 l transport tank

AdBlue [l] 30

Dimensions and weights

Overall length [m] 10.0

Overall width [m] 2.500 (front wheel housing)

Frame height at rear structure [m] 2.6

Permitted GVW [kg] 19 000

Frames

Precision-built, strong, durable frame made of carbon steel. The frame combines good stability with low weight.

Precise measurements make bodybuilding simpler.

Axles, suspension and steering

Front axle Volvo RFS-low beam axle

Rear axle RS 1228C

Suspension Electronically controlled air suspension with kneeling function

Power steering Electrically powered hydraulic steering

Tyres 275/70R 22.5"

Rims Steel or aluminium rims available

Brakes

Volvo electronically controlled disc brakes (EBS). Brake Blending function (all). The electric motor functions as a retarder and recovers braking energy.

Driver’s environment

The steering wheel is adjustable in relation to placement of foot pedals, providing the foundation for an comfortable and ergonomic driver’s environment.

Volvo instrument cluster with enhanced HMI.

3

56

4

2

1

7

The main components of the Volvo hybrid system1. Diesel engine 2. Electric motor/generator (I-SAM)3. Transmission 4. Electronic control unit5. Energy converter DC/DC 600V/24V 6. Batteries7. Electrified auxiliariesServices

Parts Supply ContractsAvailability of Genuine Volvo Parts and right-sizing of your spare parts stock are ensured by a combination of prediction and follow-up.

I-CoachingInstant feedback gives cost reduction through reduced fuel consumption and reduced wear. Improved passenger comfort.

Vehicle ManagementKeeps track of mileage, usage, wear and technical alerts. Your vehicles will stay operative with minimum downtime.

Fleet ManagementWith real-time monitoring, a set of aggregated reports are created that make it possible to go into detail for each vehicle. Technical alerts and events are also included.

Hybrid Battery ContractsMonitoring of the hybrid driveline eliminates any worries about battery performance.

Volvo Action ServiceEurope-wide assistance, multilingual phone support and a range of assistance services open 24/7.

Oil AnalysisOil analysis keeps track of your vehicle’s condition and provides for optimised maintenance and service.

Service ContractsSubstantially reinforce uptime and availability, at a specified monthly rate.

Driver TrainingIdentifies the need for improvements and provides practical training.

Volvo Buses. Driving quality of life

RSP 84695.06.15 EN. Equipment that is shown or mentioned in the brochure may be optional or available as an accessory and may vary from one country to another. We retain the right to alter product specifications without prior notification.