How about a bus route with quiet, emission-free vehicles, powered by renewable electricity, which picks up passengers indoors? Or a quick and smooth journey over the river with an electric ferry?
In Gothenburg it is reality, and there is more about to come. ElectriCity is underway – an exciting collaboration where industry, research and society develop, and test solutions for tomorrows electrified transport. Quiet, exhaust-free buses, ferries and even heavy vehicles powered by renewable electricity are included in the demo arena.
In Gothenburg today electric buses are used on route 55 and part of route 16. There are three all-electric buses and seven electric hybrids operating on route 55. On one part of route 16, two all-electric articulated buses are used – these models can carry up to 135 passengers each. The electric buses on route 55 and 16 are powered entirely by renewable electricity, which results in a very small climate footprint. In addition, there will be another 157 electric buses operating in the Gothenburg area.
Aimed to be the model of future clean urban development, the new electric-powered ferry will link both sides of the Göta River. While Gothenburg’s waterways already feature ferries powered by electricity, in the form of diesel-electric engines, these operate on short routes across the river. ElectriCity’s Volvo Penta-powered electric vessel, meanwhile, will be the first fully-electric ferry in the city able to complete longer, multi-stop routes along the river, and ultimately incorporate quick charging capabilities.
Using electric power in public transport systems helps to resolve problems such as noise and poor air quality, as well as lowering energy use and the impact of transport on the climate.
Gothenburg’s ElectriCity partnership is a collaboration between industry, academia and local government. It involves developing, testing, demonstrating and evaluating solutions that will contribute to the establishment of new, sustainable, attractive transportation systems and open new opportunities for future travel, transportation of goods and urban planning.
