New hybrid-electric buses to hit the streets in 2003
The buses are being built in cooperation with ISE Research-ThunderVolt, Nova BUS and New Jersey Transit.
New Jersey Transit and ISE Research-ThunderVolt Inc. will deploy a new generation of hybrid-electric powered transit buses by 2003. Under a $3.1 million contract, three hybrid-electric buses will be built by ISE in collaboration with Nova BUS. ISE will purchase three 40-foot Nova RTS transit buses and replace the engines and transmissions with a new Siemens-based hybrid-electric drive system. The system will be designed to dramatically reduce emissions while improving vehicle energy efficiency and fuel economy. ISE will install a ThunderVolt hybrid-electric drive system featuring a new Cummins Echo engine. The buses will also be able to operate completely electrically, running off of battery power when the engine is turned off. The three buses will be delivered to New Jersey Transit in 2003 and will be operated on regular bus routes.
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