Hybrid school buses go into use for the first time

[stonebone]

Bradenton, Florida - The School District of Manatee County is the first school district in the country to receive hybrid school buses through the Plug-In Hybrid Electric School Bus Project.

Manatee School District's two hybrid school buses are part of the 19 hybrid buses awarded nationwide by Advanced Energy, a non-profit corporation that initiated a buyer's consortium of school districts, state energy agencies and student transportation providers.

The hybrid school buses provide 70-100 percent better fuel economy and a 90 percent reduction in diesel engine emissions.

The hybrid school buses are manufactured by the leading school bus manufacturer IC Corporation and hybrid drivetrain manufacturer Enova Systems.

Roger Dearing/Manatee Schools Superintendent:
“We are proud to be pioneers in this exciting new area of transportation technology which will help us field a more fuel efficient bus fleet that produces less harmful emissions. This provides a powerful example to our students and community about the need to take positive action when it comes to addressing our nation's energy and environmental challenges."


http://www.tampabays10.com/news/local/article.aspx?storyid=50665

[originalpckelly]

1. OK, now that is fucking cool!

:woohoo:

[Coexist]

2. I think buses are perfect for electric technology

they all go home to the same place every night - so they call all be recharged.

Maybe these hybrids are the first step.

[kestrel91316]

3. And PLUG-IN hybrids, no less!!!! Yay!!! I love it.

[proud patriot]

4. I want these for the school district here

that's great

[Eileen]

5. When will they go to REAL hybrids?

I really don't understand why - This Bus - has not become the prototype for current public transit systems while we improve the hydrogen propulsion method. It is ripe for use in automobiles also. Since its diesel engine runs at a constant speed it can also run at maximum efficiency and thus minimize noxious output.

[burythehatchet]

6. The interesting aspect to me is that these vehicles run on a

schedule that seldom varies. Therefore their refueling requirements are easier to manage. Also the components of the vehicle can be engineered to accomodate its specific usage.