The state of Victoria, Australia recently announced that it is spending $398,000 USD to facilitate a 12-month hybrid-electric bus trial in Melbourne. Victoria worked with officials in Melbourne and Canberra to finance a series-hybrid bus from DesignLine International and a parallel-hybrid from Volgren. The buses will be assigned to suburban routes run by Ventura Bus Lines and Grenda Transit Management, two bus lines contracted by Victoria’s public transit authority.
Officials in the state government will work with the bus lines to track bus performance using three criteria. The primary concerns for Victoria officials during the hybrid-electric bus trials will be the costs of fueling and maintenance over a 12-month period. State officials will also look at fuel use and emissions savings within the context of the Diesel Vehicle Emissions National Environmental Protection Measure set by the national government. The final criterion for assessing the trial’s success is a series of user surveys and assessments from the thousands of passengers using these hybrid-electric buses. These surveys will focus largely on passengers comparisons of vehicle performance, comfort and safety compared to traditional buses.
The series-hybrid bus delivered to Ventura Bus Lines from DesignLine International will be powered by the company’s Eco Saver IV drive train. This drive system can produce 253 horsepower at peak production with 160 horsepower in continuous power available. DesignLine International uses a 50kWh lithium-ion battery that should be able to withstand daily charges at bus depots. The interior of the DesignLine International hybrid bus features a super-low seating area with 42 seats plus two spaces for wheelchairs.
Volgren’s parallel-hybrid bus ordered for Grenda Transit Management runs on an Allison EV40 hybrid drive train. The drive train produces 200 horsepower at maximum capacity with a continuous power rating of 100 horsepower. Volgren will charge from stop to stop thanks to a Cummins ISB 260 engine and an Iveco LE City Hybrid chassis. Grenda Transit Management will be able to hold up to 44 passengers on the Volgren hybrid bus thanks to its accommodating interior.
Victoria’s approach to testing hybrid-electric buses is a great way to alleviate resident concerns about costly transportation investments. Residents and tourists traveling through Melbourne’s abundant suburbs will get to see hybrid buses in action at regular fares. Victoria is auditioning the state’s future infrastructure rather than imposing costly investments on residents without input.
