Bay Area Service Begins for Nation's Most Advanced Electric Transit Bus.

EMERYVILLE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 12, 1998--

New Generation of Cleaner, Quieter, More Efficient Hybrid Bus

Being Tested by Calstart-Led Partnersip of Private Companies and

Public Agencies

A revolutionary and environmentally friendly transit bus -- one of the most advanced in the nation -- begins testing Thursday as a part of Northern California's Alameda/Contra Costa (AC) transit fleet.

Utilizing a combination of battery and propane power, the hybrid-electric bus demonstrates the newest heavy-duty technologies for greatly improving fuel economy, lowering emissions and reducing noise.

A project of CALSTART, the advanced-transportation organization, the new bus is an important step in the push for cleaner air, higher efficiency and high-tech jobs. In addition to fewer emissions, the new bus incorporates a series of other features that transit users will appreciate, including a flat floor for easy ingress, and quieter, smoother operation.

"The recently signed global-warming accords at Kyoto really bring home the need and potential for this type of technology," said Michael J. Gage, president and chief executive officer of CALSTART. "Increasingly efficient, clean transportation solutions such as this bus -- ready for deployment today -- clearly show the technical realities this growing industry can deliver."

Produced by CALSTART participating company APS Systems of Oxnard, Calif., the bus utilizes a new-generation hybrid-electric driveline that greatly reduces pollution, vibration and noise. Two electric motors, producing the equivalent of approximately 180 horsepower, drive the buses' wheels under all conditions.

An advanced, nickel-cadmium battery pack provides power for the electric motors and can be charged on demand by a propane-fueled, rotary-engine generator.

The hybrid combination allows the bus to operate in three separate modes, each guaranteeing maximum energy efficiency and minimal environmental impact. When operating on batteries alone, the bus produces zero emissions and can travel up to 45 miles.

If traction requirements can be met by the battery but accessories are needed (air conditioning, lights, wipers, etc.), the generator operates in a low-power mode. A high-power mode is also available, which further charges the batteries and is capable of extending the vehicle's duty cycle to a total of 230 miles, depending on terrain.

Running full-time, the generator consumes only 2.8 gallons of propane per hour. A proof-of-concept prototype, the vehicle could become the first of a new generation of city buses.

The new bus will be in service for six months over many of AC Transit's routes to allow passengers, drivers, mechanics and others to evaluate its performance and advantages. Afterward, it will pass to the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) for an additional six-month trial.

With several private and public partners, CALSTART initiated this novel project to design, build and demonstrate a full-sized hybrid- electric transit bus. Alturdyne produced the vehicle's auxiliary power unit and worked closely with APS Systems.

Funding for the project came from AC Transit, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD), the California Energy Commission, the OCTA, Southern California Edison (SCE) and Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E).

CALSTART is a nonprofit advanced-transportation technologies organization working with more than 200 industry and public partners worldwide.

It develops technology-demonstration programs, provides industry analysis and information, and helps fleets more quickly introduce electric vehicles, hybrid-electric vehicles and natural-gas vehicles, as well as Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). For more information on CALSTART and advanced transportation, visit the consortium's Web site at www.calstart.org.

CONTACT: CALSTART, Burbank, Calif.

Bill Van Amburg, 818/565-5606