Welcome the Hybrid Schoolbus

Starting in early January two school systems in Iowa added hybrid busses to their fleets – the first hybrid school busses in the country. Paid for in majority through state grant programs, the busses are part of a three year study on efficiency.

Built by IC Corp. and using a hybrid drive train supplied by Enova Systems, the busses will be open for display on Thursday, January 24th. Nevada, in Central Iowa, will host its program at 157 11th St. South beginning at 9 a.m. Sigourney, in Southeastern Iowa, will host its program at 807 N. Main St. beginning at 2 p.m. A short talk will be followed by demonstrations, and free rides for the public.

A non-profit agency out of North Carolina, Advanced Energy, steered the program, and helped secure the grants needed to introduce hybrid busses in 11 states. While priced over $200,000.00, grant money brought the costs down to roughly the same as a regular school bus – a cost picked up by the districts. The study will prove whether or not the diesel-electric hybrid efficiency justifies the investment.

sources: ENN – Environmental News Network