31 Jan 2001
Ref: 174/2000
BAE Systems Controls will supply 200 hybrid electric propulsion systems for New York City buses. The purchase, which represents the largest-ever competitive procurement of hybrid buses, brings to more than 300 hybrid-electric buses in service or on order at North America’s largest transit authority.
MTA New York City Transit will purchase the buses from Orion Bus Industries, which will procure HybriDrive™ propulsion systems from BAE Systems. The buses are electrically propelled and have a diesel-powered generator that supplies power to the drive motor and charges a series of batteries. The hybrid configuration reduces emissions by about half while dramatically improving fuel economy.
"We are extremely proud that Orion Bus Industries and New York City Transit have once again expressed their confidence in our hybrid electric technology," said James Scanlon, president of BAE Systems Controls. "We have enjoyed an excellent relationship with New York City Transit for more than two years and look forward to a continued partnership in fielding clean propulsion systems that also reduce vehicle operating costs."
Because hybrid buses are propelled by an electric motor, there is no transmission — a major maintenance item for stop-and-go vehicles. The hybrid configuration also incorporates a “regenerative braking” system that reverses the direction of the drive motor’s field during braking to help slow the vehicle and produce additional electric power. The result is about one-third less brake wear. Still another benefit: The diesel engine on a hybrid bus operates at nearly constant RPMs, so in addition running cleaner and burning less fuel, it also needs less maintenance.
“Hybrid is an exciting technology that we expect will become a significant part of our efforts to reduce vehicle emissions,” said Lawrence Reuter, president of MTA New York City Transit. NYCT currently operates 10 buses equipped with the HybriDrive™ system, having accumulated mre than 200,000 miles of revenue service. “We have been impressed with the performance of these vehicles and look forward to expanding the use of hybrid technology in our fleet.”
BAE Systems Controls, an operating unit of BAE Systems North America, is a major provider of electronic systems for global defense, civil, and commercial markets, producing flight, mission, and engine controls for the world aircraft and space market. It also is a leader in electronic controls for the locomotive industry and the emerging hybrid-electric vehicle market. Controls operates facilities in Johnson City, N.Y.; Santa Monica and Ontario, Calif.; and Fort Wayne, Ind.
BAE Systems is the truly global systems, defense, and aerospace company. BAE Systems employs more than 100,000 people in nine home markets around the world and has annual sales of some $19 billion. The company offers a global capability in air, sea, land, and space, designing and manufacturing civil and military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, space systems, radar, avionics, communications, electronics, guided weapon systems, and a range of other defense products.
BAE Systems North America employs 25,000 people in the design, development, integration, manufacture, and support of a wide range of advanced aerospace products and intelligent electronic systems for government and commercial customers.
