METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Ioxus to supply ultracapacitors to EMD

Ultracapacitors can handle more than one million charge and discharge cycles and offer a longer lifespan than batteries, according to the company.

July 23, 2012
2 min to read


Ioxus Inc., a manufacturer of premium performance ultracapacitor technology for transportation, alternative energy, medical, industrial and consumer product markets, announced it is providing ultracapacitors to ElectroMotive Design LLC (EMD), an engineering services company and a manufacturer of hybrid electric conversion systems for Class 2 through 8 buses and trucks. Ioxus’ ultracapacitors are the primary energy storage technology used in EMD’s fuel saving hybrid-electric technology called emDRIVE.

EMD’s emDRIVE hybrid conversion system offers a cost-effective and easy-to-install solution for fleet operators to combat rising fuel prices and meet government fuel economy regulations, according to the company.

Ultracapacitor technology dramatically enhances the operation of emDRIVE as compared to previously used energy storage solutions. EMD chose Ioxus’ 3,000F iCAP cell as the core energy storage solution in its emDRIVE hybrid conversion system because it has the lowest weight, lowest equivalent series resistance (ESR) and highest power density available in the market. Ultracapacitors can handle more than one million charge and discharge cycles and offer a longer lifespan than batteries, allowing EMD to meet customer demands for a low-cost solution that is easy to install and reduces operating costs.

“We use ultracapacitors as our system’s energy storage medium in order to capture regenerative braking energy to be used later to assist the vehicle’s acceleration,” said Joseph Ambrosio, GM of EMD. “Because ultracapacitors are highly efficient at energy recapture and storage, they are best able to handle the high power bursts we needed for our hybrid conversion systems to deliver the highest fuel efficiency.”

With a high cycle life, a high charge acceptance rate of 95%, wide temperature operating range and instantaneous recharge, ultracapacitors are the ideal energy storage solution for hybrid-electrical applications. Ultracapacitors are the only technology able to capture the high peak power levels of a regenerative braking event in a compact, low-weight package.

Ad Loading...

EMD’s emDRIVE, with the help of Ioxus ultracapacitors, extends the life of brake pads anywhere from 50 to 100%. With increased fuel mileage and reduced maintenance requirements, many EMD customers will see a payback in two to three years, according to company officials.
                                            
Additional Ioxus Information:
•    Ioxus data sheets – http://bit.ly/aZB7Kv
•    Ioxus photos – http://bit.ly/ajcOJE
•    Ioxus on Facebook – http://on.fb.me/OgwFgp
•    Ioxus on Twitter – http://bit.ly/aaoZF4
 


More Bus

Frontrunner's new facility in Billerica, Massachusetts.
Busby StaffJune 8, 2026

Frontrunner Bus Group Expands with New Massachusetts Headquarters

The significantly larger facility will provide the infrastructure needed to support the company’s growing workforce, advanced technologies, and expanding product line.

Read More →
New MobilityJune 5, 2026

Joshua Schank on Transportation Innovation, Risk, and the Future of Mobility

In this edition of METROspectives, Joshua Schank discusses lessons from launching LA Metro’s Office of Extraordinary Innovation, the challenges of advancing new mobility technologies, and much more.

Read More →
A maintenance person with a tablet.
ManagementJune 5, 2026

Reinventing Fleet Maintenance with Real-time Visibility and AI

Transit leaders need to know what needs fixing, where to look, who is responsible, when work is completed, and what it costs without having to chase information across disconnected systems.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
SamTrans planning for ballot measure
Managementby StaffJune 4, 2026

SamTrans Sets Priorities for Potential Connect Bay Area Revenue

The board-approved framework allocates future funding to maintaining service, rider improvements, equity initiatives, and infrastructure repairs.

Read More →
World Cup Crowds Will Test Transit Systems
ManagementJune 3, 2026

When Routine Fails: How Public Transit Must Adapt for the World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will test transit agencies’ ability to manage unpredictable travel patterns, making real-time data and operational flexibility critical to moving millions of visitors efficiently.

Read More →
Bus Roadeo at APTA Mobility 2026
Busby Staff and News ReportsJune 1, 2026

Photo Highlights from APTA's 2026 Mobility Conference

The photo gallery captures scenes from the conference, including the International Bus Roadeo, exhibit hall activities, the Bus Showcase, and much more.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Managementby StaffJune 1, 2026

Chicago's NITA Act Moves Into Next Phase as Service Improvements Begin

Rider-focused improvements will begin rolling out across the system immediately as CTA, Metra, and Pace increase service this summer in the six-county region.

Read More →
A SEPTA bus going down the road
Managementby StaffJune 1, 2026

Philadelphia's SEPTA Approves Annual Transit Service Plan

Between 2021 and 2024, SEPTA held more than 200 public meetings — including 144 in-person sessions — throughout the SEPTA service region.

Read More →
frontrunner bus image
SponsoredJune 1, 2026

A True Low-Floor Minibus Design Delivers Better Accessibility and Efficiency for Everyone

As transit demands evolve, so should your fleet. Download the whitepaper to see how the Low-Floor Frontrunner Minibus compares to traditional options.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A New Flyer 60-foot articulated bus
Busby StaffMay 29, 2026

WMATA Debuts 'Fares Pay for Service' Awareness Campaign

The campaign was highlighted during a media event at the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit Center in Silver Spring, where WMATA’s GM/CEO Randy Clarke joined Metro Transit Police officers, WMATA management team, board members, and staff to expand fare enforcement and customer education efforts on Metro Bus routes throughout the region.

Read More →