Illinois' 1st Hybrid School Bus to Transport Students in Matteson

OAK FOREST, Ill., Aug. 20, 2009 -- The largest family-owned and operated school bus contractor in the U.S. has purchased the first hybrid school bus in Illinois. The new vehicle drives like a standard school bus but comes equipped with both hybrid and diesel systems that work in tandem to drastically cut emissions and more than double fuel efficiency. Kickert, a Cook-Illinois Corporation subsidiary, will transport kids to and from Huth Junior High School in Matteson, IL starting Monday, August 24, 2009.

"School buses obviously start and stop constantly, and this is exactly what a hybrid system needs to stay efficient. We also think it is something that will save fuel and provide a better environment for the children we transport now and the children of the next generation," explains Cook-Illinois COO John Benish, Jr.

On average, a diesel-powered school bus gets six miles to the gallon. The hybrid gets up to 13 miles per gallon, making it twice as efficient and cost-effective as a diesel-powered bus. The hybrid bus is manufactured by IC Bus Corp., headquartered in Warrenville, Ill., an affiliate of Navistar, Inc.

The Cook-Illinois hybrid bus is a charge-depleting system, meaning it uses battery energy stored during overnight charging or between routes to offset fuel costs. The hybrid bus comes with a diesel engine and a hybrid system which work together by gathering energy when the brakes are used, charging the battery as the bus decelerates. This gathered energy provides additional power when the bus accelerates, allowing the diesel engine to mostly idle while the bus increases speed. The lithium-ion battery used in the charge-depleting hybrid lasts five to seven years. The lifespan of a hybrid bus is about 12 years, mirroring that of a diesel-powered bus.

Cook-Illinois Corp. is deeply committed to the environment and has switched to biodiesel fuel in its entire fleet of 2,000 school buses. A year ago, Cook-Illinois also introduced the Clean Air Club and the Clean Air Club Bus, a mobile museum designed to teach children the importance of alternative fuels and environmentalism.

For more information, call Ann Pitcher, 630.887.0278, visit www.cookillinois.com or www.cleanairclub.net.