Ottawa (October 28, 2008) - In June 2007, Ottawa City Council approved the acquisition of 202 diesel-electric hybrid buses.

Two pilot buses were delivered in October 2008 and are scheduled to go into service in mid-November. The Orion VII (Next Generation) diesel-electric hybrid buses will be used on routes where stop frequency is high and average speed is low to obtain maximum benefit from the hybrid technology, including energy recovery during braking. To start, the two hybrid buses will service routes 5, 14 and 18.

The remaining buses are scheduled to hit the road in the summer of 2009 and 2010.

The City’s transit fleet includes 1,016 diesel-fuelled buses. City transit vehicles produce over 100,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂), which accounts for about 80 per cent of the total amount of CO₂ and greenhouse gases (GHG) produced by all City-owned vehicles.

The 202 hybrid buses, of which 120 are replacement vehicles, will allow for an annual CO₂ reduction of over 5,000 tonnes or more when used consistently on high frequency stop routes.

The City selected the Daimler Buses North America-DBNA (also known as Orion Bus Industries) Orion VII (Next Generation) hybrid bus model as the best option to fit Ottawa’s environmental and transportation needs. The hybrid propulsion system is provided by BAE Systems. The HybriDrive propulsion system technology reduces emissions and increases fuel economy while meeting the durability requirements of urban transit operations. The system consists of a generator, an electric motor and an engine storage system managed by computerized controls. The buses also feature roof-mounted lithium-ion battery packs, which increase battery life and reduce vehicle weight, improving fuel economy and reducing emissions.

This environmentally friendly 40-foot diesel-electric hybrid bus is expected to reduce fuel consumption by 17 to 36 per cent compared to conventional diesel buses. The Orion VII features seating for 38 passengers. The bus is also a low-floor, fully accessible vehicle that can regularly accommodate two mobility aids such as wheelchairs, scooters or walkers.

Other features:

Daimler Buses North America (Orion Bus Industries), Mississauga, ON

http://www.orionbus.com/orion

17 to 36 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency

17 to 36 per cent less GHG emissions than a conventional diesel bus

$650,000 per bus

38 seated passengers

40’ (12 m) long; 11’ (3.35 m) high

42,540 lbs (19,350 kg)

Low exhaust emissions Cummins ISB, six-cylinder turbocharged diesel with cooled exhaust gas recirculation

Stainless steel underframe, and body frame and lightweight aluminum exterior panels

For more information:
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