Hybrid Vehicle
One key component of the DesignLine fleet is its range-extended electric bus (hybrid), the EcoSaver. The bus is a plug-in battery powered electric vehicle. As battery power is depleted, an on-board diesel or compressed natural gas (CNG) turbine engine engages. Unlike other hybrid buses, the on-board engine does not run vehicle systems as the battery depletes. Rather the turbine produces electricity that recharges the batteries. The turbines are supplied by Capstone Turbine of Chatsworth, California.
The bus was originally designed as a response to the international tender for ecological buses to be used in the 2000 Sydney Olympics. While the design was rated as technically best it did not win the tender. This first-of-its-kind technology has been deployed in a number of fleets as the process has been tested and improved. Recent testing at the Bus Testing and Research Center at Penn State University show a substantial improvement in fuel economy over traditional buses. The EcoSaver will also be included as part of a national research effort coordinated by the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) to yield performance data on clean fuel vehicles.
Numerous demonstration fleets of EcoSaver vehicles have been deployed worldwide since 1998. The DesignLine electric drive system has undergone several major development cycles, with the fourth generation North American system now in production.
Read more about this topic: Design Line Corporation
Famous quotes containing the word vehicle:
“In all Works of This, and of the Dramatic Kind, STORY, or AMUSEMENT, should be considered as little more than the Vehicle to the more necessary INSTRUCTION.”
—Samuel Richardson (1689–1761)