BAE Systems unveiled its next-generation battery-electric power and propulsion system for transit buses.
The technology adds to the company's 20-plus years of experience developing and integrating electric-hybrid propulsion systems and accessories for transit buses. The Series-EV system builds on that core technology but eliminates the need for a combustion engine to drive the bus. Instead, it uses electric motors, controls, and batteries to create a clean and emission-free mode of public transportation.
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The Series-EV system also uses fewer, lighter, and more compact components to make it easy to install and reduce the need for future maintenance. The system's light weight and reduced number of connections help to make the most of its power and paves the way for buses to travel longer distances on a single charge. As part of this unique design, it also allows operators to customize based on their propulsion or accessory power requirements. Larger buses would require more traction power and the addition of air conditioning on the bus would increase the accessory power needed.
BAE Systems has more than 10,000 electric-hybrid systems in service around the globe including major cities such as Paris, London, New York, and San Francisco.
In Part 2 of a two-part conversation, AC Transit’s director of maintenance joins co-hosts Alex Roman and Mark Hollenbeck to discuss his maintenance team’s work with various types of vehicle, training, augmented reality, and more.
Coalition leaders outline priorities for preserving bus funding, maintaining competitive grants, and ensuring flexibility for transit agencies nationwide.
Two battery-electric buses entered service on Earth Day, with four additional vehicles expected to join the fleet this summer. Seven more buses are planned for the end of 2027, bringing Metro’s total zero-emission fleet to 13.
A 5% rise in deliveries and a surge in zero-emission buses signaled progress in 2025, but high costs, long lead times, and shifting funding priorities continue to cloud the outlook.
In Part 1, Blandon shares his journey from the U.S. Marines to a leadership role in public transit, along with insights on mentorship and professional growth within the industry.
Sustainability Partners’ Arnold Albiar discusses how a service-based approach is helping airports and public agencies deploy and manage electric fleets more efficiently.
In this conversation, TBC’s Executive Director Ed Redfern, President Corey Aldridge, and Washington Representative Joel Rubin outline the coalition’s key policy priorities, the challenges facing transit agencies, and how industry stakeholders can work together to strengthen the voice of bus transit at the federal level.
