IC Corporation and Enova Working to Develop the Nation’s First Hybrid School Bus

IC Corporation, North America's largest school bus manufacturer, is working with Enova Systems Inc. to introduce the nation's first hybrid school bus. The two companies have developed a prototype school bus with a hybrid diesel-electric drivetrain that is undergoing testing.

"Together, IC Corporation and Enova are delivering an integrated solution that allows the customer to attain an approximate 40 percent increase in fuel economy and also greatly reduce emissions," said Mike Staran, Enova's vice president of marketing.

The project features Enova's post-transmission 80 kW Hybrid DriveSystem and is being evaluated at IC Corporation's research and technology facility in Fort Wayne, Ind. The hybrid school bus will be delivered to a customer this spring.

"With fuel prices at all-time highs, new innovations in hybrid technology are needed to help customers keep their operating costs lower," said Michael Cancelliere, vice president and general manager of IC Corporation. "We feel that this technology could provide significantly improved fuel economy. In addition, even though current International diesel engines produce no visible smoke and low emissions, the hybrid program will reduce engine emissions even further."

IC Corporation's parent company, International Truck and Engine, is working extensively on hybrid trucks for the utility industry.

The initial powertrain for the bus project will couple an International® VT365 V8 diesel engine with an 80 kW hybrid-electric powertrain, incorporating a transmission, batteries and permanent magnet motor. The system is based on a parallel architecture, allowing the system to use diesel and electric power effficiently, officials said.

The system recovers kinetic energy during 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.

"IC Corporation is committed to environmental leadership and delivering value to our customers," said Cancelliere. "We believe that diesel-electric hybrid technology can be made commercially viable for the school bus industry and this collaboration is the first step in making that a reality."

International Truck and Engine produces school bus chassis, mid-range diesel engines, medium trucks, heavy trucks, severe service vehicles, and is a provider of parts and service sold under the International brand. IC and International are subsidiaries of Navistar International Corporation.

Enova Systems develops, designs and produces drive systems and related components for electric, hybrid-electric, and fuel cell-powered vehicles.