BAE-Cummins

Transit bus operators will now be able to save fuel and also reduce air and noise pollution due to a partnership between BAE Systems and Cummins.

All buses in North America will now be equipped with Cummins ISB6.7 hybrid engines and BAE Systems’ HybriDrive Series-E propulsion systems, which will employ engine start/stop when passengers board or disembark.

This technology has already been tested on buses in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and Metro Mineapolis in Minnesota. It is planned to be delivered to customers by later this year and will be developed and produced at BAE Systems’ facility in Endicott, New York.

The testing has proved that the start/stop mode helps in reducing engine idling time by up to 40%. This helps in saving fuel and creates a quieter environment for passengers at bus stops.

During the engine shut-off mode, accessories such as air conditioning, power steering and air compressors remain operational.

BAE Systems HybriDrive Solutions vice-president and general manager Steve Trichka said: "We are seeing significant fuel economy benefits with the two pilot buses programmed with the new stop/start function.

"We are seeing significant fuel economy benefits with the two pilot buses programmed with the new stop/start function."

"Working with Cummins to offer a stop/start mode for heavy-duty transit buses means we can now provide even more value to our North American hybrid customers. The fuel economy and passenger experience benefits are unique in the industry."

This innovative technology enables a bus to shut down its engine at bus stops and start it upon acceleration. It is available on 40ft transit buses produced by New Flyer, Gillig and Nova Bus that are equipped with Cummins ISB6.7 Hybrid engines and HybriDrive Series-E systems.

BAE Systems’ HybriDrive Series propulsion system is being used in 4,200 buses worldwide.

The company claims that buses equipped with the system prevent more than 100,000t of CO2 emissions and save more than nine million gallons of diesel fuel annually.

Image: BAE and Cummins will help reduce noise pollution and fuel wastage with its new HybriDrive Series-E propulsion systems. Photo: courtesy of Business Wire / Cummins.