New York Schools Entities Prepare for
New Hybrid Buses

DEPOSIT, N.Y. (Oct. 10, 2006) - This summer, IC Corp unveiled its hybrid electric school bus, which purports to increase fuel efficiency by up to 40 percent. Three New York entities, the most of any one state to be awarded a bus to pilot, were awaiting vehicle delivery around the beginning of 2007.

Many in the industry first saw the hybrid bus destined for the Shenendehowa Central School District at the New York Association for Pupil Transportation's annual trade show and at STN EXPO 2006. Eleven states in all are slated to receive a bus under a bid from Advanced Energy in North Carolina. The New York Power Authority (NYPA) will receive two additional hybrid school buses thanks to its own $110,000 contribution as well as an additional $110,000 from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) for delivery to the NYAPT and to the New York School Bus Contractors Association for testing and demos.

The hybrid system, developed by Enova Systems in Torrance, Calif., developed the hybrid system consisting of a diesel engine with an 80-kilowatt powertrain,, a transmission, batteries and an electric motor. The system recovers kinetic energy during regenerative braking, charging the batteries while the bus is slowing down. This provides additional power for acceleration, making the hybrid buses ideal because of the frequent starting and stopping of the bus.

"The state of New York is really the epicenter of the hybrid school bus revolution," said Ed Joyce, Vice President of Operations at Leonard Bus Sales, a school bus dealer based in Deposit, N.Y., that is managing the delivery of the three hybrid school buses. "These hybrid buses are the first step in providing cleaner air for students and better fuel economy for school districts and taxpayers. We're committed to help school districts keep their buses running as efficiently as possible."

NYAPT plans to showcase the hybrid bus at several schools as a learning opportunity for school bus drivers, mechanics, school administrators, and school boards.

"Hybrid technology is a very exciting development for the industry," said Peter Mannella, executive director of NYAPT. "It can address the issues of increasing fuel costs, diesel emissions and dependence on foreign oil."

William Fahey, executive director of the NYSBCA, said the hybrid bus will be on display during the organization's annual convention Oct. 19 through 22.