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
Capacity	41 to 67 seated
Power output	340hp 1700Nm
Transmission	ZF 5HP552C, 6HP552C, 5HP602C, 6HP602C, 6HP604C Voith D864.4, D864.5 Volvo I-Shift AT2412C
Dimensions
Length	12.0m, 12.8m, 14.5m and 18.0m
Chronology
Predecessor	Volvo B10BLE

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 It superseded the Volvo B10BLE and is used as a base for single-decker buses in Europe and Australia.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 engine and ZF 6HP604C / Voith D864.5 transmissions.

The B12BLE is also available in the articulated form since 2005, which is known as the B12BLEA chassis. The B12BLE can be available in the rigid, tri-axle and articulated form.

The B12BLE is also available as a complete integral bus in Europe - the Volvo 8500LE and Volvo 8700LE.

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.