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HybridAt DATTCO we are always trying to look ahead and the introduction of our first hybrid school bus is a perfect example of this philosophy. New Britain became the first school district in New England with a hybrid electric school bus, when we handed over the keys in 2009. Hybrid electric school buses have the potential to improve fuel efficiency by up to 65% and reduce emissions by up to 40%. The hybrid plug-in school bus is built by IC Bus, the nation's largest school bus manufacturer, and Enova Systems, a leading provider of hybrid drive systems. While the exterior of the school bus looks basically the same as a standard bus, it is powered with innovative new technology. With an overnight charge, the system utilizes a larger battery that provides stored energy intended to be drawn down over the driving cycle, thus optimizing fuel economy.. The powertrain for the hybrid school bus couples a MaxxForce™ 7 diesel engine with a 25/80-kilowatt hybrid-electric powertrain, incorporating an electric motor, batteries and a control module. The system is based on a parallel architecture, allowing the system to utilize both diesel and electric power in a highly efficient manner. For more information on the hybrid opportunity, contact Steve Keith. |
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