Hydraulic hybrid system offered for buses

LOVELAND, Colo. — Lightning Hybrids has released a new version of its hydraulic hybrid system for certain types of school and commercial buses.

Pilot systems have been in international fleets since summer 2013. Officials at Lightning Hybrids said that the fleets are pleased with reliability and efficiency results and are planning to purchase more of the hydraulic hybrid systems in the next quarter.

Previous hydraulic hybrid systems available from the company are for medium-duty delivery trucks and shuttle buses. Other large bus and truck chassis options, including for Gillig and New Flyer buses, are in the works.

Like other hybrids, Lightning Hybrids’ system adds a secondary power source to an existing engine. Hydraulic pumps/motors and an accumulator (power storage unit) are added to gasoline, diesel, propane or compressed natural gas engines to store braking energy and use it to accelerate the vehicle. Company officials said that the system provides significant savings on fuel and brakes and reduces emissions.

For more information on Lightning Hybrids, go to lightninghybrids.com.