Hybrid Electric Transit Bus Evaluations

In partnership with transit agencies, NREL evaluates the performance of hybrid electric transit buses in real-world operation.

Hybrid electric buses combine a primary power source, an energy storage system, and an electric motor to achieve a combination of emissions, fuel economy, and range benefits.

Long Beach Transit

In partnership with Long Beach Transit, NREL evaluated the performance of conventional diesel buses compared to hybrid electric buses manufactured by New Flyer with ThunderVolt hybrid drive systems. The results of this study are featured in the Long Beach Transit: Two-Year Evaluation of Gasoline-Electric Hybrid Transit Buses report.

New York City Transit

In partnership with New York City Transit, NREL evaluated the performance of conventional diesel buses compared to compressed natural gas (CNG) hybrid electric buses manufactured by Orion Industries with BAE propulsion systems. The results of this study are featured in the In-Use Performance Comparison of Hybrid Electric, CNG, and Diesel Buses at New York City Transit report.

Knoxville Area Transit

In partnership with Knoxville Area Transit, NREL evaluated the performance of conventional buses compared to hybrid electric buses manufactured by Ebus with Capstone MicroTurbine auxiliary power units. The results of this study are featured in the Ebus Hybrid Electric Buses and Trolleys case study.

King County Metro

In partnership with King County Metro Transit, NREL evaluated the performance of conventional diesel buses compared to hybrid electric transit buses manufactured by New Flyer Industries with Allison Transmission hybrid propulsion systems. The results of this study are featured in the King County Metro Transit Hybrid Articulated Buses: Final Evaluation Results report.

More Information

For more information about NREL's evaluation of hybrid electric transit buses, view additional hybrid electric vehicle publications.