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Web Seminar on plug-in hybrid electric school buses hosted by School Bus Fleet Magazine Advanced Energy, IC Corporate and Enova Systems provide panelists for School Bus Fleet Magazine’s web seminar focused on plug-in hybrid technology for school buses.
RALEIGH, N.C. (July 12, 2007) – A web seminar with over 300 participants was hosted by School Bus Fleet Magazine in Torrance, Calif. today. The seminar focused on plug-in hybrid electric technology, and the collaborative effort led by Advanced Energy to deliver the nation’s first plug-in hybrid electric school buses. Generating about 70-100 percent improvement in fuel economy compared to the traditional diesel counterpart, school bus plug-in hybrid electric technology significantly reduces fleet management costs, dependence on diesel fuel and harmful emissions that lead to asthma and lung cancer. The large number of web seminar participants generated over 100 questions, showing a powerful interest in the showcased technology. Advanced Energy, Enova and IC Corporation partnered in the development of the new plug-in hybrid electric school buses. The plug-in hybrid uses a charge-depleting lithium-ion battery system, which means it should be recharged overnight for optimal fuel economy. The cost of recharging the battery pack is approximately 60 cents per equivalent gallon of diesel fuel, according to Ewan Pritchard, hybrid program manager at Raleigh, N.C.-based Advanced Energy. Seven school districts around the country are already using the plug-in hybrid technology, with nine to 12 more hybrid school buses set for delivery this year [see map]. The school bus is currently selling for around $220,000 but the price is expected to come down significantly once manufacturing volume increases. During the web seminar Pritchard provided viewers with suggestions on how to obtain supplemental procurement funding. For additional information about the Plug-In Hybrid Electric School Bus Project, visit www.hybridschoolbus.org. An archived version of the web seminar may be viewed online at www.schoolbusfleet.com/webseminars/July07. About Advanced Energy |