USA, San Diego
San Diego’s Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) has launched what’s believed to be the first commercial bus with a CNG and electric hybrid drive system. The new technology was made possible by grants from the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), San Diego Air Pollution Control District (APCD), and the California Air Resources Board (CARB). ISE Corporation conducted the R&D on the new drive system, which was installed within a standard size MTS bus. The hybrid drive system is composed of a Cummins ISB Gas Plus engine, a Siemens 165kW electrical generator, two Siemens duo inverters, two Siemens 85kW drive motors and Cobasys-developed NiMH batteries. MTS provided the New Flyer bus and New Flyer assisted ISE in the modification of the chassis and integration support.
The $1 million prototype will cut significant emissions from the
already clean-burning CNG buses in the MTS fleet, providing more power
and a quieter ride. “This new technology is important to California
transit agencies that have invested heavily in CNG infrastructure and
are seeking even more efficient power drives,” said San Diego County
Supervisor Ron Roberts, who also represents San Diego on the boards of
directors of MTS, APCD and CARB. “The CNG-electric hybrid technology
represents the next step forward in our commitment to a healthier
environment.”
The CNG-Hybrid is expected to provide the following environmental benefits:
- Significantly greater fuel economy
- Reduced NOx emission
- Reduced CO2 emissions
- Reduced brake wear and brake maintenance
- Quieter operations
“MTS is committed to providing clean, safe, reliable and
environmentally friendly transportation,” said Paul Jablonski, CEO of
MTS. “We have been in the process of retiring our old diesel buses and
replacing them with cleaner and more efficient technologies since 1997.
We have already replaced almost 75 percent of our fleet with CNG buses
and will complete the conversion over the next five to six years.”
