The Application of Electric/Hybrid Propulsion Systems to Low Floor Buses 942243
The application of the electric/hybrid drive is not new. It has existed in numerous forms on various types of vehicles, but the main emphasis has been directed at vehicles possessing a defined regular duty cycle where the required amount of energy storage can be accomplished without detracting from acceptable payload or passenger carrying capacity.
To date, road vehicles most suited to electric drive have been those working within a well-defined, controlled, and limited range operation such as early morning milk or bread delivery trucks. Modern technology enables the extension of previous boundaries, and addresses environmental problems caused by high traffic density.
Reasons for pursuing electric drive are not common when viewed from an international perspective, resulting in multiple approaches to resolve the various problems. Electric/hybrid vehicles present a significant opportunity to reduce emissions and improve system efficiency on urban start and stop cycles. A proliferation of approaches exist, and the challenge is to find the optimal system which will balance the technical vision and commercial feasibility.
Automotive engineers have environmental and social responsibilities to children and future generations to be environmentally conscious and utilize knowledge and technologies to extract the most energy possible from the fuels available. In reality, low cost absolute zero emission energy is not presently available for road transportation. The industry has to adopt compromise while working towards its ultimate goal.
