OC Transpo offers a glimpse of low-emission hybrid bus

Ottawa – OC Transpo gave the public a chance to glimpse the future as it presented a hybrid technology bus the City is considering adding to its fleet within five to 10 years. The acquisition of this technology for growth, and to replace aging buses, is a key part of Ottawa’s fleet emission reduction strategy, which was approved by City Council in March 2002.

"Passengers appreciate the benefits of hybrid bus technology," said Ron Gillespie, Director of Fleet Services for the City of Ottawa. "The diesel/electric power-train offers smooth, uniform acceleration that is easy on passengers, provides good fuel economy, and significantly reduces emissions."

The Orion VII (hybrid) low floor bus, manufactured by Orion Bus Industries of Mississauga, uses a hybrid diesel/electric engine that operates two propulsion systems. The first system starts with a battery pack that provides electricity for a traction motor that turns the drive wheels. The second propulsion system uses a diesel engine to run a generator that provides electricity for a traction motor. The diesel engine is also used to recharge the battery pack. During braking, the traction motor also recovers energy created during the braking process, and uses that energy to recharge the battery pack.

The bus – on display today at City Hall as part of Energy Efficiency Day – represents OC Transpo’s commitment to find clean, environmentally friendly transit vehicles for use in the Ottawa’s fleet of buses. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved dynamometer tests show that a hybrid diesel/electric bus can reduce polluting emissions between 50 per cent and 90 per cent, and, compared with a conventional diesel bus, can save about 136,000 litres of fuel during its lifetime.   

For more information :       

Communications and Marketing
(613) 580-2450