In this issue:
Enova and IC Bus Sign Long-Term Agreement

Performance Monitoring Continues with Panther Wireless Module

Speaking Engagements

For the latest news, visit
www.hybridschoolbus.org.

August 2008
Plug-In Hybrid Electric School Bus Update

Enova and IC Bus Sign Long-Term Agreement
Enova Systems and IC Bus, members of the team that brought the plug-in hybrid electric school bus to market, have signed a long-term supply agreement specifying that IC Bus will partner with Enova and continue use of their proprietary hybrid drive system in IC's hybrid school buses.

Advanced Energy has been working with Enova Systems and IC Bus as part of its Plug-In Hybrid Electric School Bus Project. Since efforts began in 2002, the project facilitated by Advanced Energy has led to the deployment of 15 plug-in hybrid electric school buses nationwide. Collaborative efforts among many organizations, nonprofits and government organizations have resulted in on-the-road testing of first generation buses, providing both Enova Systems and IC Bus, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), an opportunity to improve product quality before reaching commercialization.

Enova's President and CEO Mike Staran said, "This is a significant milestone for Enova and the entire market. We are honored that a world leading OEM, such as IC Corporation, has chosen us as their partner to be their production supplier of Electric Drive Systems."

To read the entire press release on the long term agreement and for more information on IC Bus and Enova Systems, click here.

Performance Monitoring Continues with Panther Wireless Module
To help determine the benefits of the hybrid electric drive system, several of the school buses have been equipped with Panther Wireless Modules (PWM) developed by Enova Systems. This is one of many commercially available products that record vehicle parameters on a vehicle's Controller Area Network (CAN) and transmit the data via cell phone signal.

The Panther Wireless Module (PWM) developed by Enova Systems

The PWM transmits data wirelessly--a great advantage over other CAN loggers--that eliminates the need to periodically retrieve data from the logger, saving both time and money. The wireless feature also allows data to be viewed in real-time, which can aid in diagnostics

Dozens of parameters about the vehicle's engine, transmission, electric motor, batteries, and more are recorded using the PWM. Currently, this system is useful in tuning the hybrid drive system to maximize its benefits. The PWM data also provides quantitative evidence of the advantages of the hybrid-electric drive over a traditional diesel bus with respect to fuel economy, power and drivability.

The PWM allows analysis of the fuel economy for both hybrid electric and traditional diesel buses in real world driving conditions. This has a distinct advantage over dynamometer testing because actual bus routes are used instead of standard drive cycles. However, the PWM can still be used for dynamometer testing because of its ease of use.

Speaking Engagements
Advanced Energy plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) technology experts are frequently traveling the country to share the benefits of plug-in school buses as well as the various hurdles we have and are currently experiencing with the program. Advanced Energy Hybrid Programs Manager Ewan Pritchard recently spoke at the Plug-In 2008 Conference and Exposition in San José, Calif., The Alternate Fuels Vehicle Institute (AFVi) conference in Las Vegas, N.V., and The Power-Up conference in Wenachee, W.A.

If you are in need of a speaker, or are willing to speak on the program in your area, we would like to hear from you. We typically speak at conferences where there is a high likelihood of significantly furthering the goals of the program. While we can not speak at all events, we are very interested in sharing the benefits of PHEV technology. We are able to train individuals on key points of the program as well as provide content. If you are interested please contact Staci Haggis at 919.857.9000 or shaggis@advancedenergy.org for more details