On Friday ISE Corp. announced that it received 2010 certification for its gasoline hybrid-electric drive system from the California Air Resources Board (CARB). This is the first engine certification issued in 2010 by CARB in the Hybrid Urban Bus category.

"The 2010 ISE Gasoline Hybrid Urban Bus meets the new emissions requirements without the need for CNG fueling infrastructure, particulate filters, urea tanks or selective catalyst reduction (SCR) systems," said Kevin Stone, ISE's director, applications engineering. "ISE incorporates a gasoline engine, with a traditional catalytic converter, into our proprietary hybrid system that has accumulated over 12 million miles in service. This enables us to offer a vehicle with a proven track record that surpasses the emissions standards and has the best fuel efficiency in its class."

Because the ISE gasoline hybrid-electric drive system does not require complex aftertreatment systems, transit agencies benefit as a result of reduced maintenance and lower operations costs, according to the company.

CARB is one of six organizations under the umbrella of the California Environmental Protection Agency authorized to adopt vehicle emission reduction standards, rules and regulations to reach state ambient air quality standards at the earliest practicable date.