Volvo B12BLE
| Volvo B12BLE | |
|---|---|
Nobina Volvo B12BLE with Volvo Säffle 8500LE integral body. | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Volvo Buses |
| Production | 2001-2013 |
| 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, 13.7m, 14.5m and 18.0m |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Volvo B10BLE |
| Successor | Volvo B9RLE |
The Volvo B12BLE is a low-entry city and suburban bus chassis launched in 2001 with a rear-mounted transverse engine. It superseded the Volvo B10BLE and is used as a base for single-decker buses largely in Continental Europe and the Asia-Pacific regions. The B12BLE was available in the Continental Europe and Asia-Pacific markets, while the B12BLEA was largely built for Australia only.
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 the Euro 3 DH12D engine and ZF Ecomat2 & Voith D864.3E automatic transmissions. From 2004/2005, the B12BLE was available with an updated electrical system. Available transmissions were 6-speed ZF 6HP602C, Voith DIWA864.3E and the Volvo I-Shift
In 2006 the chassis was updated with DH12E engine and ZF Ecomat4 / Voith D864.5 transmissions to meet Euro 4 & 5 emission standards.
The B12BLE was 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.
In 2011, the Volvo B12BLE was superseded by the Volvo B9RLE and subsequently the Volvo B8RLE.