Why HybridRive®

The BAE Systems HybriDrive® system is the world’s most successful series hybrid solution. HybriDrive® powered buses can achieve significant improvements in fuel economy compared to conventional diesels and perform favorably against alternative hybrid-electric solutions. A test of BAE Systems series hybrid platforms was conducted at the Altoona Bus Research and Testing Center. The results clearly show the enhanced performance level.

Every member of our team has extensive hybrid expertise and is dedicated to maintaining a level of system reliability higher than conventional drives. We rigorously test our HybriDrive® systems for all conceivable real world situations in our systems integration laboratory and in road testing at our Johnson City, NY, hybrid design center and at our European hybrid application center, at Rochester, UK.

We are dedicated to providing our customers with a high quality product. BAE Systems is a global industrial leader with a reputation for understanding complex technical requirements, developing robust solutions and satisfying our customers – we are fully committed to improving all aspects of the HybriDrive® experience and creating the best hybrid solution.

You will receive the service and support that best fits your needs. BAE Systems does not impose an inflexible service approach upon our customers. We have a range of BAE Systems service facilities, supplemented with third-party facilities and services, that we can deploy to match your needs – and we are always ready to accommodate your preferred service providers, too. Our goal is to integrate HybriDrive® into your fleet with minimum disruption, and our intuitive diagnostic software is another way that HybriDrive® can help you keep your fleet running.

We work with leading bus manufacturers across all types of heavy-duty transit platforms to offer customers maximum flexibility and commonality in hybrid electric propulsion and power management. We create HybriDrive® Daimler Orion buses, HybriDrive® New Flyer buses, HybriDrive® Gillig buses, HybriDrive® Alexander Dennis Limited buses and HybriDrive® Irisbus Iveco buses, and we are constantly working to add new OEMs to our HybriDrive® family.

Independent measurements have shown that HybriDrive® consistently provides the greatest energy savings in transit bus propulsion tests. Our integrated hybrid power systems also maximize your operational budget due to their superior efficiency and impressively low maintenance costs, making HybriDrive® the best hybrid solution. Altoona Bus Research and Testing Center study results show that HybriDrive® fuel economy is noticeably better than alternative electric drive propulsion systems, making HybriDrive® the best source of hybrid electric savings.

HybriDrive® Returns the Greatest Fuel Savings

Our hybrid experts can be your trusted strategic partners. We are dedicated to helping you shape and lead your transit service, increase operational efficiency, develop energy savings strategies, and make further environmental and safety improvements. Whether it is hybrid-electric today, or fully electric tomorrow, we can help you achieve your goals.
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HybriDrive® by BAE Systems employs a robust and uncomplicated series design to minimize the burden of installation, operation and maintenance. Why our system is simpler:

• The HybriDrive® transit solution uses the series hybrid electric drive design that is established and proven throughout the transportation industry in vehicles such as commuter rail, light rail, street car (tram), trolley bus and subway systems. In fact, more passenger miles occur on series electric drive than any other type of propulsion system.
• The system consists of a generator, an electric motor, and an energy storage system managed by computerized controls. A diesel engine that turns the generator operates independently of the electric drive motor, allowing it to run at nearly consistent speed for optimum efficiency. The system also uses NO mechanical transmission, a major maintenance item on traditional diesel buses. And there is NO separate alternator – this greatly reduces the number of moving parts, the potential maintenance, and the weight associated with these parts.
• Less means MORE SIMPLE. The optional accessory power system in the new configuration can further improve efficiency and reduce maintenance by eliminating alternators and their associated pulleys and belts. The system can produce up to 27 kilowatts of electricity to run vehicle accessories and to enable the bus to be operated for brief periods in zero-emission mode, with the engine off. It also combines the starter and generator to eliminate the starter motor and flywheel, making the system simpler and lighter and further reducing maintenance requirements.
• Buses equipped with the new hybrid system also use a lithium-ion energy storage system that increases battery life and reduces vehicle weight, improving fuel economy and reducing emissions. The battery system is self-monitoring and easy to service for further savings in maintenance costs.