10 May 2001
Ref: 065/2001
Hybrid electric buses equipped with BAE Systems' HybriDrive™ propulsion system will make their debut in two California transit systems this spring and are due to enter service in San Francisco later in the year.
Ten HybriDrive™-equipped buses have now completed 300,000 miles of revenue service in New York. MTA New York City Transit plans to add 325 more buses equipped with the BAE Systems drive train to its fleet between 2001 and 2004.
"The growing popularity of hybrid buses is evidence that transit authorities from coast to coast recognise the benefits of this technology," said James Scanlon, president of BAE Systems Controls. "Hybrid buses dramatically cut emissions, improve fuel economy, and have the potential to reduce vehicle maintenance needs. We are proud to play a significant part in expanding the use of this technology for transit applications."
During May, Fresno Area Express and the city of Torrance each will place two hybrids in revenue service. Later this month, the San Francisco Municipal Railway will take delivery of two hybrid units. These agencies will evaluate the buses, all based on the low-floor platform built by Orion Bus Industries, as part of their efforts to cut fleet emissions.
MTA New York City Transit began deploying a 10-unit evaluation fleet using the HybriDrive™ system in the autumn of 1998. To date, these buses have accumulated more than 300,000 miles in revenue service, mostly on congested routes in Manhattan. New York's experience has been so positive that NYCT has placed two large production orders with Orion Bus Industries - one for 125 units and the other for 200 - deliveries will begin in late 2001.
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority in Boston has logged about 35,000 miles on a pair of Orion VI buses powered by the HybriDrive™ system.
The HybriDrive™ propulsion system uses an AC induction motor to turn the vehicle's drive wheels. A diesel-powered generator supplies propulsion power to the electric motor and to a battery pack. This configuration dramatically reduces emissions while improving fuel economy by 25% to 50% and improving performance.
With the HybriDrive™ propulsion system, there is no transmission to maintain and overhaul, and regenerative braking extends the life of the vehicle's service brakes. The hybrids currently in service use diesel engines, but the technology is compatible with other fuel types, such as compressed natural gas and emerging technologies including fuel cells.
