BAE Systems Partners with Cities to Reduce Air Pollution

BAE Systems is helping cities get to zero emissions with electric power and propulsion systems for transit buses

Air pollution is down in cities across the United States, but the relief is only temporary. When more vehicles get back on the road, cities will once again face the challenge of rising greenhouse gases. That means reducing the largest source of emissions: our vehicles.

Cities are aiming for a future with zero emissions and turning to public transportation to get them started. BAE Systems is helping them get there with electric power and propulsion systems for transit buses.

Electric accessory power

Our Reduced Engine Accessory Load (REAL) system is the first step on the path to zero. It powers bus accessories such as air conditioning and power steering to reduce the workload of the bus engine. REAL not only lowers operation and maintenance costs, but takes strain off the engine to reduce bus noise and vibration.

Electric hybrid

Next up is clean drive electric hybrid power with our Series-E and Series-ER systems. The technology not only powers bus accessories, but adds another level of electric power to drive the bus. The systems include electric motors, energy storage, and smart controls to further reduce the carbon footprint and fuel use of a fleet of vehicles.

• Series-E features our power-dense ultracapacitor technology, which provides efficient and reliable energy storage for the life of the bus.
• Series-ER uses lithium-ion batteries to store a far greater amount of energy on the bus. The added energy enables the vehicle to drive on purely electric power with the diesel engine turned off for up to 35 percent of the time.

Hydrogen fuel cell and full electric

All-electric or fuel cell electric technology is the last stop on the journey to zero emissions. These systems completely eliminate the need for a combustion engine to drive the bus. Instead, each uses electric motors, controls, and batteries to create a clean and efficient mode of transportation.

• Series-H combines batteries and hydrogen fuel cells to power the bus drivetrain and its accessories.
• Series-EV is another clean option that uses only batteries for power. The newest version of the system uses fewer, lighter, and more compact components. Its light weight and reduced number of connections make it easy to install and paves the way for buses to travel longer distances on a single charge.

Investment in a cleaner tomorrow

While getting to zero emissions is a big task, the need for clean air remains constant. That’s why BAE Systems is developing efficient solutions that offer more energy capacity to help clean up the cities where we live, travel, and work. We’re investing in our core technology to make electric drive systems travel farther on a single charge and reduce fuel use. We’re building on more than 20 years of experience to make them smaller, lighter and easier for transit agencies to install and maintain.

As the effects of climate change take shape, our investments are helping cities get one step closer to a zero-emission future. We’re innovating today to clear the path to a cleaner commute tomorrow.

Category: Electric Vehicles, Engines & Drivetrains, Featured, Fuel & Oil, General Update, Green, News, Transit News, Vehicles