The design and predicted performance of a hybrid electric powered transit bus is described. The bus is a 7.6 meter (25 ft), 24 passenger vehicle that incorporates a low floor design and rear door accessible to handicap passengers. The low floor and rear door are made possible by the use of individual high power density permanent magnet motors driving the rear wheels. The hybrid electric drive system consists of a compressed natural gas fueled internal combustion engine that drives a generator which in conjunction with storage batteries supply power to the two traction motors.
