Volvo B12BLE
| Volvo B12BLE | |
|---|---|
 Nobina Volvo B12BLE with Volvo Säffle 8500LE integral body. | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Volvo Buses |
| Production | 2001-2011 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Doors | 2-3 (1-2-0, 2-2-0, 1-2-1, 2-2-1, etc.) |
| Floor type | Low floor/Low entry |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | Volvo DH12D/DH12E |
| Power output | 340hp 1700Nm |
| Transmission |
ZF 5HP552C, 6HP552C, 5HP602C, 6HP602C, 6HP604C Voith D864.4, D864.5 Volvo I-Shift AT2412C |
| Chronology | |
The Volvo B12BLE is a low-entry city and suburban bus chassis launched in 2001 with a rear-mounted horizontal engine. It superseded the Volvo B10BLE and is used as a base for single deck buses in Europe and Australia.
The B12BLE features the 12-litre Volvo DH12 engine, which is based on the D12 engine from Volvo FH trucks. The DH12D engine meets Euro 3 emission level, and DH12E meets levels 4 and 5 with SCR technology. The engine is mounted horizontally, as it was in the B10BLE. The radiator is mounted at the rear on the right hand side.
From its launch in 2001 until 2005, it was available with ZF 5HP552C, 6HP552C and 5HP602C automatic transmissions. From 2004/2005, the B12BLE was available with the updated Multiplex 2 electrical system and a 6-speed ZF 6HP602C automatic transmission. In 2006 the chassis was updated with DH12E and ZF 6HP604C / Voith D864.5 transmissions.
The B12BLE is also available in articulated form since 2005, which is known as the B12BLEA.
The B12BLE is also available as a complete integral bus in Europe - the Volvo 8500LE and Volvo 8700LE.
Australia
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Numerous public transport operators in Australia operate copious amounts of the B12BLE, either in its Euro III or Euro IV guises.
The Volvo B12BLEA was conceptualised for the State Transit Authority of Sydney, Australia because the B7LA was too underpowered for many of Sydney's bus routes due to the hilly terrain. The world's first B12BLEA entered service with State Transit Authority of Sydney in late 2005. State Transit Authority has placed an order for 80 B12BLEA articulated buses, and they will be assembled with Custom Coaches bodywork. In October 2013, 20 B12BLE's were transferred to new operator Transit Systems Sydney who took over Region 3.
Most of the B12BLE chassis that go to Australia are bodied by Australian companies such as Custom Coaches, Volgren and Bustech.
Singapore
2 Volvo B12BLEAs are operated by Sentosa under the guise of a beach tram running on the island's Siloso Beach Tram route. The rear module of the bus consists of a large, sheltered standing area with an al-fresco seating area on the elevated part of the bus where the drive axle is. The buses are bodied by ComfortDelGro Engineering Corporation and are speed-limited for safety reasons. The vehicles were in Purple Livery.
See Also
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Volvo B12BLE. |
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