BAE Systems Launches HybriDrive Series for Articulated Buses

JOHNSON CITY, NY--October 3, 2011: BAE Systems, a leading provider and developer of hybrid electric technologies, today launched its HybriDrive^® series propulsion system for articulated buses at the American Public Transportation Association Annual Meeting & Expo in New Orleans, La.

“Transit authorities around the world that incorporate higher capacity articulated buses in their fleets to achieve lower operational costs, now can save even further by incorporating HybriDrive propulsion systems”

The HDS 300 system -- the latest member of BAE Systems' HybriDrive family -- draws upon the company's proven hybrid electric propulsion system technology currently deployed in more than 3,500 transit buses across the globe. The latest version of the system will allow higher capacity buses with gross vehicle weight ratings of up to 63,000 lbs to experience the notable fuel economy and environmental benefits provided by BAE Systems' HybriDrive propulsion systems.

"Transit authorities around the world that incorporate higher capacity articulated buses in their fleets to achieve lower operational costs, now can save even further by incorporating HybriDrive propulsion systems," said Steve Trichka, general manager of power and energy management for BAE Systems. "Progressive transit authorities recognize the cost savings and environmental advantages of our HybriDrive system and now, with our HDS 300 product for articulated buses, have more options to utilize HybriDrive than ever before."

The HybriDrive series hybrid electric system dramatically reduces emissions and increases fuel economy while meeting the durability requirements of demanding urban transit operations. It consists of a generator, an electric motor, and an energy storage system managed by computerized controls. A diesel engine turns the generator and operates independent of the electric drive motor, allowing it to run at the optimum engine speed for fuel efficiency. The system also uses no mechanical transmission, a significant maintenance item on conventional diesel buses. Buses equipped with HybriDrive series have travelled more than 300 million miles, prevented more than 280,000 tons of CO2 emissions, and have saved more than 25 million gallons of diesel fuel.

The HDS 300 features the same benefits as its HDS 200 counterpart, now in service in the U.S. and Canada. The integrated hybrid power system maximizes a fleet owner's operational budget due to its superior efficiency and low maintenance costs. The system can be purchased as a standard package or with electrified accessories which further increase the system's efficiency by reducing energy demands on the engine. Electric accessories offer reduced maintenance and improved safety over their conventional counterparts, eliminating the normal jungle of belts and hydraulic lines from the engine compartment.

BAE Systems is working with bus manufacturers New Flyer and Nova Bus to make its HDS 300 hybrid electric propulsion system available to North American bus transit fleets.