Advanced Energy awarded 2005 Mobile Source Emissions Reduction Grant

Advanced Energy's hybrid electric school bus project received statewide recognition today. The N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources awarded more than $600,000 in grants for projects to reduce air pollution caused by motor vehicles. The hybrid electric school bus project was awarded one of 10 Mobile Source Emissions Reduction Grants by the Division of Air Quality, in the amount of $140,000. This year's grants were directed toward diesel emissions because they are a continuing threat to human health and the ozone.

The hybrid electric school bus project plans to purchase one hybrid school buses with the awarded grant money. By purchasing the electric bus, Advanced Energy hopes to improve air quality by reducing harmful emissions. Emissions will be reduced by eliminating bus idling, which will lead to reduced diesel gas consumption and in turn provide cleaner air for North Carolinians. Electric buses will emit significantly fewer pollutants, therefore improving the public health of children who ride diesel-powered school buses every day. New buses will also be economically beneficial because they can potentially reduce operation and maintenance costs for bus operators and at the same time provide more jobs in North Carolina, as it is possible the buses will be manufactured in state. The long term goals of the hybrid electric school bus project are to stimulate the state's economy by manufacturing the buses in North Carolina, to improve air quality while achieving emission reduction demands and most importantly to improve the health of our future generations.

Advanced Energy's hybrid electric school bus project is dedicated to furthering the development and commercialization of hybrid vehicle technology to improve the environmental health and air quality in North Carolina and the United States. Advanced Energy is a Raleigh-based nonprofit corporation that enables utility customers to improve returns on their energy investments. The corporation also strives to create environmental and economic benefits through innovative approaches to energy.