Optima's Opus hybrid receives CARB certification

The Opus ISE series diesel hybrid low-floor bus received certification by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for meeting emissions standards and regulations. The ISE ThunderVolt diesel hybrid system combines the Siemens ELFA electric drive system with the Cummins ISB engine and is integrated and controlled by the ISE ThunderCam hybrid control system. The diesel-fueled hybrid Opus received the certification for all of California except Southern California due to CARB's regulations restricting diesel-operated transit buses in that part of the state. Production of the hybrid bus will begin in 2006.