Simple Solution
Alt-fuel vehicle manufacturers increase research and development on drive trains to meet the growing needs of operators By John Whelan
Alternative fuels have become a part
of many school bus fleets throughout the years. Te savings on maintenance and operating costs, including reduced emis- sions, are contributing factors to why this technology is so popular. Keeping up with the demand to
reduce the carbon footprint has put al- ternate-fuel developers to the test. To
programs, allowing them to run more low-emission buses around school chil- dren. Looking at how hybrid systems work brings to light how complex they really are. Here are the latest offerings by school bus manufacturers.
COLLINS TYPE A BUSES GO HYBRID-ELECTRIC In 2009, Collins Bus Corporation made an exclusive agreement with Azure Dy- namics to develop the first Type A school bus with hybrid-electric technology. Azure Dynamics installed its balance hybrid-elec- tric drive system in the Ford E-450 cutaway and strip chas- sis. Te integrated starter generator not only starts the 5.4-liter Triton V-8, but also generates power supported by a 288-volt nickel-hydride battery pack.
Estimates were made that this sys-
tem would increase fuel mileage by 40 percent, with a 30-percent reduction in maintenance costs and 30 percent less emissions. Regenerative braking and less engine idling contribute to these stats.
accelerate the inte- gration of alt-fuel vehicles in
the transportation industry, govern- ment rebates and incentives are in place
to offset the higher cost. School bus operators running on tight budgets can take advantage of
these
BLUEBIRD VISION LIQUID PROPANE TYPE C SCHOOL BUS
Te Bluebird Vision Type C School Bus
uses the ROUSH CleanTech Liquid Propane Autogas Fuel System and the Ford 6.8-liter V-10 engine. Te ROUSH system is totally
integrated with the Ford OEM engine. Propane has its advantages right from
the start, with tax incentives for the ini- tial bus purchase and rebates on propane, making this fuel extremely economical for operators. Tese benefits give operators a long-term return on investment. In the summer of 2010, the Micro Bird
Type A joined its Type C cousin in the partnership with ROUSH to be installed with the patented Liquid Propane System. Te new Micro Bird 30-passenger Type A multi-function school activity bus is built on a Ford E-450 chassis. A 41-gallon fuel tank allows the propane-powered Micro Bird to travel up to 320 miles, depending on driving conditions.
ADVANTAGES OF OPERATING ON PROPANE Operators can rely on propane availabil-
ity, thanks to a nationwide infrastructure already in place. More school bus manu- facturers are installing propane systems in their equipment because of the demand from operators for better fuel mileage and lower operating costs. Propane is the third most popular fuel
behind diesel and gas. Propane emissions outperform fossil fuels with 20 percent less nitrogen oxide, up to 60 percent less carbon monoxide, 24 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions and fewer par- ticulate emissions. It also plays a strong role in lowering our national dependence on foreign oil, as 90 percent of the pro- pane used today comes from domestic sources of production.
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