Hybrid Power Packs

Using hybrid power packs can result in fewer emissions; reduced fuel consumption and less noise. There are options to regain some of the energy lost during braking or driving downhill. Where a diesel engine is used in combination with a generator and supercapacitors and/or batteries, the engine can be automatically switched off when the vehicle is stationary, or when driving in a low or zero emission zone.

Traction Technology now has four hybrid buses in daily use on real public transport routes in the UK. Together they have completed over 74,000 hybrid miles and are driving 2,000 miles each week.

The technology continues to be improved and the company is now developing the next generation of control system that will provide a more economic and flexible product. The new system is due to start trials in the first quarter of 2008.