TC and the Volvo B5RLEH

[Cutepattern1098]

Was there any reason given why TC did not to go ahead with Hybrid Diesel buses such as the Volvo B5RLEH?

[Snorzac]

I can only assume it didn't meet the criteria TC set out for it to meet, I seem to recall 712 wasn't overly pleasant to ride

[triumph]

Was there any reason given why TC did not to go ahead with Hybrid Diesel buses such as the Volvo B5RLEH?

The trial seemed to be to see if the hybrid or electric buses could do the task. It probably turned out that both could. So the question became why settle for hybrid if the less complex electric is also capable? Additionally, from an environmental viewpoint, the fully electric would be much more desirable.

I can only assume it didn't meet the criteria TC set out for it to meet, I seem to recall 712 wasn't overly pleasant to ride

As to 712's ride, I don't recall having any exceptional negative impressions after 4 rides. It seemed quite usual to me at the time.

[Sylvan Loves Buses]

So the question became why settle for hybrid if the less complex electric is also capable?

I believe because at that point the full-electrics were super unreliable. Something along the lines of not being able to run more than 6 hours on one charge.

[triumph]

I believe because at that point the full-electrics were super unreliable. Something along the lines of not being able to run more than 6 hours on one charge.

But the contradictory outcome was the ordering of electric not hybrids.

So the performance of the trial BYD electrics, even with the limitations you say were experienced, might not have been show stoppers, and have still have pointed the way. Probably more significantly though, might have been a strong political and corporate desire (for various policy reasons) to go electric if at all feasible.

Technology (particularly battery) is evolving quite rapidly and issues thrown up by the trials may have been resolved by newer offerings in the market. As we don't design and manufacture, we are stuck with what the market offers.
 (The same probably applies to light rail, Already the market has available short distance self contained vehicles, and no doubt manufacturers are planning for systems with longer routes which will only use battery power vehicles with no overhead or interval charging needed. To my mind, if buses can do it ok, why can't light rail vehicles also? In fact, there is already a private heavy rail passenger operation in Northern NSW. It is re-using old diesel railcars converted to battery only.}   

[L94UBbusfan]

I would assume it was due to electrics being more eco friendly and being a more future proof option. It's also worth noting in 2020 the ACT committed to a zero emissions bus fleet by 2040, which wouldn't have included hybrids. I never rode 712, but I did ride 710. All I remember was how rattly it was, and the differences compared to a diesel bus at the time.