The buses will be using Allison's Hybrid H 40 EP, a two-mode parallel hybrid which can be operated automatically as a parallel hybrid or series hybrid. Using a continuously variable drive, the system offers an infinite number of ratios.
By automatically adjusting ratios to operate at optimum power curves, the system allows for good performance and better fuel economy than other systems.
"The Allison Hybrid System further enhances Orion's current hybrid leadership and now allows customers to specify which hybrid system is best suited for their specific needs," Patrick Scully, chief commercial officer for Daimler Buses North America said in a statement.
So far, this system is featured in some 3,500 buses and coaches operated in the US by transit companies in Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Seattle, Houston, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Baltimore, Vancouver and Yosemite National Park.
The 3,500 buses clocked so far over 100 million miles, saving in the process 13.5 million gallons of fuel and reducing at the same time harmful gas emissions by 130,000 metric tons (CO2).
Separately, Allison announced this June it will begin manufacturing a new hybrid propulsion system for trucks at a new facility in Indianapolis. The supplier will built the facility using money granted by the Department of Energy through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
The $62.8 million will be used towards producing 20,000 commercial-duty hybrid propulsion systems.
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