Energy Efficiency, Energy Storage, GHG Emissions  -  January 11, 2019

Boston buses go electric

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has ordering 194 electric-hybrid buses to help the state reduce emissions and noise pollution on its transit bus routes.

The buses have been ordered from BAE Systems, a global provider of electric-hybrid, battery-electric, and fuel-cell electric systems. Boston will use the company’s Series-ER system of electric-hybrid buses, which are propelled by an electric motor with power provided from a battery system. The battery is recharged by both an on-board generator set, using a down-sized internal combustion engine and by regenerative energy produced when the bus slows to a stop. The system allows a fleet to operate a portion of the day electrically with the engine off, reducing maintenance, idling, fuel use and emissions.

"Our new technology provides Massachusetts with an innovative and practical electric-hybrid solution," said Steve Trichka, vice president and general manager of the Power and Propulsion Solutions business at BAE Systems. "This system provides clean electric operation that can be rapidly scaled now to help Massachusetts reap the benefits seen in thousands of buses worldwide.”

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