fuel-efficient 40-foot hybrid mass-transit bus

(10 am. – promoted by ek hornbeck)

Fisher Body to build the Fisher GTB-40 bus, a 40-foot ultralightweight hybrid that boasts twice the fuel efficiency of current hybrid buses.  It uses a lightweight, nitrogen-strengthened stainless steel unibody; has no traditional engine for propulsion; and relies on Swiss-made batteries to drive motors for each wheel. The buses are half the weight of other hybrid and diesel models.

A small diesel engine powers a generator that keeps the batteries charged longer. Energy from the brakes is captured for reuse. Automotive News

also posted

Fuel efficient and beats the competition by a mile ~ or more.

Based on an ultra-lightweight panel construction with a low profile, the Fisher PHEV bus is expected to get over 10 mpg. Now, compare this with a regular hybrid bus at 4 to 5 mpg or a standard diesel bus at 3 mpg and the PHEV offers significant fuel savings. Going for alternative fuel options like diesel box could also add to the performance and improved fuel consumption.

Like other hybrids, the Fisher PHEV transit bus also uses regenerative braking, but this isn’t the end of its fuel-saving design. It also uses extra-wide doors for fast loading and unloading, saving fuel at stops.

The Fisher PHEV transit bus can travel its first 100 miles on battery power alone before a small diesel engine kicks in to recharge the battery back. In addition, the bus will plug in at night during off-peak hours to recharge before the morning commute.

Public transportation has always been a more economical choice than 44 people jumping in their individual cars and driving. But Fisher Coachworks has just made the case for more efficient, effective and green uses for public transportation. Green Tech Gazette

The vehicle is fully recyclable and will have up to five times the design life of ordinary steel vehicles.

“Our vehicle concepts are based on the strength and durability of Nitronic stainless steel using low-cost manufacturing techniques,” CEO Gregory W. Fisher said in an as-yet-unpublished release contained on the site. “This alloy has more than three times the strength of regular steel and is almost impervious to corrosion and fatigue.  While the alloy is more expensive than regular automotive steel, we use less raw material and can produce significantly lighter designs. Reduced vehicle mass is the critical enabler for fuel consumption and performance-optimized hybrid vehicles.” Oakland Business Review