Filed under: Emerging Technologies, Hybrid
Umea, a city in northern Sweden, has just unveiled its overhead-charge capable hybrid bus, the “Arctic Whisper,” which combines the zero-emissions benefits of an electric bus with the long-range capabilities of a conventional diesel coach. By utilizing Opbrid’s overhead, rapid-charging station, the Arctic Whisper will be able stop for five to six minutes to juice up and then continue on down its route without using a drop of diesel. By doing this, Oprid claims that the bus will be able to operate for up to 18 hours without calling upon the diesel engine for motivation.
Here’s how the system works: At the end of the route, the driver pulls up underneath the Opbrid Busbaar charging station and the tram-like pantographs on the bus’ roof raise up to contact the overhead charger. The process is completely automatic, with the driver never having to move from his or her seat. The bus’ battery pack is fully charged by a conventional plug at night, with the Busbaar system providing additional juice as needed throughout the day.
Hit the jump to watch the Opbrid system in action and check out the company’s release that describes the Busbaar overhead rapid-charging station and the Arctic Whisper hybrid bus in detail. Hat tip to Roger!
[Source: Opbrid S.L.]
Arctic Whisper hybrid bus debuts in Sweden; uses Opbrid’s Busbaar overhead charger [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 16 Apr 2011 08:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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