The HybriDrive will be deployed in Everett on 15 New Flyer Xcelsior hybrid electric buses, to be used by Community Transit, while in Atlanta they will be fitted onto Xcelsior buses for Atlantic Station. HybriDrive systems are equipped with a lithium-ion energy storage system, offering longer life than other battery technologies. The weight of the vehicles is also reduced, allowing for improved fuel economy and lower emissions.
The system consists of a generator, an electric motor, and an energy storage system. A diesel engine turns the generator and operates independent from the electric drive motor, allowing it to run at nearly consistent speed for optimum efficiency. The system also uses no mechanical transmission.
“Our proven HybriDrive system is based on more than 40 years of technology development,” said Steve Trichka, general manager of power and energy management for BAE Systems in Johnson City, New York. “BAE Systems is a recognized leader in the growing market for greener, cleaner, and more efficient transportation around the world.”
So far, the technology developed by BAE has found its way into no less than 2,700 buses in cities across North America and in the United Kingdom. Such buses operate in cities like New York, San Francisco, Toronto, Ottawa, Houston, Seattle, London, and Oxford.
BAE has clocked with the buses it converted roughly 150 million miles. In the meantime, the buses have saved around 10 million gallons of diesel fuel, and helped stop around 100,000 tons of carbon emissions to reach the air.
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