Introduction of Diesel-Electric Buses Into Orange County, California
15 December 2000
Statement Regarding Introduction of Diesel-Electric Buses Into Orange County, CaliforniaWASHINGTON, Dec. 14 Today's delivery of advanced technology, hybrid electric-diesel buses in Santa Ana marks an important milestone for clean air, diesel technology and public transportation. This new hybrid electric-diesel bus adds another dimension to advanced clean diesel technology as a clean air and public transport solution in California. The hybrid buses are powered by Cummins ISB-270 diesel engines outfitted with a catalyzed soot filter, mated to an electric hybrid propulsion system produced by General Motors' Allison Transmission Division. This technology combines the inherent benefits of the latest, cleanest and most efficient diesel technology coupled with an advanced and innovative hybrid propulsion system. These kinds of hybrid electric-diesel buses will be integrated seamlessly into existing diesel-based bus fleets, making maximum use of the existing investments in fueling infrastructure and maintenance practices. The widespread use of diesel engines in the nation's public transportation fleet is well documented -- across the country each day 14 million Americans use public transit buses to get to their jobs, schools and home, and more than 95% of the nation's public bus fleet are powered by diesel engines. GM, Cummins and other Forum member companies are committed to the continuous development of the most cost-effective, reliable, efficient, safe and low-emitting source of power for public transport and hundreds of other applications-advanced clean diesel engines. The Diesel Technology Forum brings together the diesel industry, the broad diesel user community, civic and public interest leaders, government regulators, academics, scientists, the petroleum refining industry, and public health researchers, to encourage the exchange of information, ideas, scientific findings, and points-of-view related to the current and future use of diesel power technology. Members of the Forum include Caterpillar, Cummins, General Motors, Robert Bosch Corporation, Detroit Diesel, Donaldson, ExxonMobil, Eaton Corporation, Komatsu America, Associates Commercial, Delco Remy, Honeywell International, Kemp Manufacturing, Wabash Technologies, Twin Disc, Stahl Speciality, JCBamford Excavators, L.E. Jones Company, Metalcraft of Mayville, Morton Metalcraft, G.W. Lisk, Dupage Products Group, Boley Tool and Machine Works, Helio Precision Products, Royal Oak Industries