Azure Dynamics Corp., a developer of hybrid-electric and electric powertrains for commercial vehicles, announced that its Balance Hybrid Electric shuttle bus has been certified by Altoona testing, on the Ford E-450 chassis.

The successful completion of this test qualifies Ford E-450 shuttle buses, built with the Balance Hybrid Electric drive train system, for Federal Transit Authority (FTA) programs of up to 80 percent funding when purchased by public transit agencies across the U.S. In addition to FTA programs, the Balance Hybrid Electric may qualify for up to a $3,000 U.S. federal tax credit and/or numerous individual state and agency programs.

The Altoona test demonstrates, on an accelerated time frame, the ability of Azure's Balance Hybrid Electric system to withstand the rigors of operating in a demanding urban transit bus environment. 

The Azure G1Series-Hybrid HD Senator CitiBus shuttle bus had previously completed Altoona testing in 2007.