Swedish automobile manufacturer Volvo Buses has developed new technology known as Zone Management technology, which regulates how the bus operates in specific zones along the route.
The new technology features GPS that determines where the bus should run on electricity power or diesel, and how fast it may drive in the various zones. It automatically switches to it at low speed in sensitive areas.
Volvo has started the testing of the new technology in Volvo's electric hybrid buses, which have been operating on route 60 in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Volvo Buses City Mobility director Magnus Broback said the bus is pre-programmed to adjust both fuel source and speed to suit the zone in which it is currently driving.
"When it enters a zero-emission zone, it automatically switches to pure electric power without the driver having to do anything," Broback added.
"This technology makes it possible to bring the bus closer to the areas where people move around: their homes, shopping centres, hospitals and schools."
Volvo will conduct trials of the new technology in its electric hybrid buses trough 2014 and 2015, and is planning to fully develop the technology in 2016.