Test drives

I test drove 3 buses @ Kortrijk 2009.
First drive is the Swedish Volvo 7700 Hybrid. A parallel i-shift system which stops the diesel engine whenever the bus is stopped. Drive starts with battery power and engages the diesel as the battery power becomes lower. Starting is very smooth although a bit slow, but stoping is harsh. Facia is very neat, an econometer gauge is on th left of the panel and the charge status is shown in the information display.
Second drive is the British Optare Solo EV. A fully electric bus with a drive range of 200 kms before switching to reserve, and charging time of 1.5 to 5 hours depending on the type of charger. acceleration and manouverabilty are excellent, but full stop is a bit of a harsh. No noise at all. Fuel gauge shows charge status and will be replaced in 2010 with an LCD screen combining all needed information and friendly and clear econometer.
Third drive is the Belgian VanHool A300 Hybrid, owned by Connexxion in the Netherlands. A serial system combining super capacitors. A very comfortable bus for driver and passengers, as ride, acceleration and stopping are very smooth. This model has reached maturity in the way it handles. Stability is super with the mid engine. Facia is very neat, and a big current gauge replaces rev counter. Monitoring it while driving can further reduce the need for diesel power. Diesel runs steady in low revs most of the time and is very quiet. This bus is a member of the hybrid bus family of VanHool compromising a smaller model, an articulated and also fuel-cell hybrids. these are sold in Europe and in North America.