HybriDrive Series-E Propulsion Selected to Power More than 400 Hybrid Buses for Quebec

BAE Systems will provide its environmentally friendly hybrid propulsion system on 475 Nova LFS hybrid electric (HEV) buses for the Association du transport urbain du Quebec (ATUQ).

“We are pleased to be working with Nova Bus for the first time, which expands our original equipment manufacturer platform base in the North American market,” said Steve Trichka, vice president and general manager of HybriDrive Solutions at BAE Systems. “We look forward to strengthening our newly formed relationship, and expanding our hybrid technology to Quebec.”

BAE Systems’ HybriDrive Series propulsion powers nearly 4,000 buses worldwide today and is the most successful series system in operation. The series configuration eliminates the mechanical connection between the diesel engine and the wheels. The engine turns a generator, and the power flows in series from the generator to power control electronics, to batteries, to an electric traction motor, and then to the wheels.

Buses equipped with the HybriDrive series propulsion system have travelled more than 600 million miles, prevented more than 520,000 tons of CO2 emissions and have saved more than 38 million gallons of diesel fuel.

“One important part of Nova Bus’ vision is to be a leader in electro-mobility,” said Jean-Pierre Baracat, president of Nova Bus. “We believe that lower-emission buses will help meet urban challenges such as congestion, and improve quality of life. Adding BAE Systems HybriDrive Solutions to our product portfolio is in line with this commitment.”

Compared with conventional diesel-powered buses, the Nova LFS HEV offers approximately 30 percent lower fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The development and production of the hybrid propulsion systems will be conducted at BAE Systems’ facility in Endicott, N.Y.