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The Plug-in Hybrid Electric School Bus Project is a collaborative effort led by Advanced Energy to transform the nation’s school bus market by introducing plug-in hybrid technology. Already, the project has led to the delivery of buses across the nation, two of which were delivered in North Carolina in May 2007. Background Feasibility studies suggest that hybrid buses can be less costly to operate. Actual operation of a fleet of such buses, however, is needed to verify this. Operating costs for hybrid vehicles have been shown to be lower, both in fuel savings and in maintenance costs, particularly with plug-in hybrids. This feasibility study will help in fully understanding the life cycle costs of hybrid buses. Mobile source air pollution continues to frustrate efforts to improve air quality. Estimates show that in North Carolina alone 25-30 counties will likely go into non-attainment for ozone levels once the 8-hour standard went into effect in 2004. Non-attainment particulate matter levels will likely follow suit for many of the same counties shortly after. Recent medical studies highlight the dangers of particulate pollution of the sort produced by diesel bus engines. Particulate matter has recently been highlighted in several reports as a serious concern on school buses, causing problems ranging from increased cases of illness to lung cancer. Removing this type of exposure is the number one benefit of hybrid bus technology. Hybrid School Bus as Pilot Program Advanced Energy advocates using hybrid school buses as the pilot program for these four reasons:
More Information Ewan Pritchard, hybrid program manager |

