Bus 712 was a Volvo B5RLEH diesel-powered parallel hybrid bus, with Bustech VSTH body which operated for ACTION between August 2017 and early November 2018.
When a trial of three plug-in electric buses planned for 2017 did not proceed, Transport Canberra sought tenders for lease of “alternative energy” buses. This vehicle, built to Transport NSW specifications in 2015, was offered for lease by Volvo Buses.
The B5RLEH is powered by a 4.76 litre 4-cylinder Euro V diesel engine and also a 120kW electric motor. According to a report in The Canberra Times, during an evaluation period between August and December 2017, Bus 712 made 487 trips and used 3966 litres of diesel – compared with an unspecified control bus which used “about four times as much diesel”.
From April 2019, this bus has found a new home at Port Stephens Coaches, Anna Bay NSW.
Further details:
- Bus 712 on ACT Bus Fleetwiki
- “Alternative Energy Bus Trial” article on ACT Bus
This page was last updated on 13 August 2022
