Hybrid school bus gets set for earth-friendly debut
A prototype school bus is slated for delivery this spring, armed with a hybrid diesel-electric drivetrain that reduces engine emissions, while yielding an estimated 40 percent increase in fuel economy. Said to be the nations first hybrid school bus, the vehicle is a joint creation of IC Corp., a Subsidiary of International Truck and Engine Corp., (based in Conway, AR) and Enova Systems, Inc. (located in Torrance, CA). Currently, the bus is undergoing evaluation at IC Corp.s research and technology facility in Fort Wayne, IN. The bus features Enovas 80-kW. hybrid-electric drivetrain, which unites the vehicles transmission, batteries, and a permanent magnet motor to optimize diesel and electric power. When a driver applies the brakes while traveling, the system recovers kinetic energy and recharges the batteries. The process provides additional power for acceleration, making the bus ideal for trips involving frequent starting and stopping.
