After really enjoying their first shipment, MTA NYCT (New York City Transit) has ordered 500 more Orion VII HEV buses. This exciting new technology saves money, gas, and helps prevent polution (the main selling point of the buses, as indicated by the bold and blue labeling a the top of each bus, "CLEAN AIR HYBRID ELECTRIC BUS"). The hybrid populsion system was designed by BAE Systems, a maker of technologies used in space (I think). The HybriDrive? system works as follows:
1) To start acceleration, the HybriDrive Controller directs the engine to run the HybriDrive Generator (the engine running at a constant speed, preventing excess air polution).
2) The Generator produces electricity that powers the HybriDrive Traction Motor and charges the battery (for on demand acceleration).
3) The Traction Motor drives the differential, propelling the vehicle.
4) During braking, the Traction Motor is used as a generator, effectively recharging the battery (this is the gas and money saving part, since the brakes are used less they do not waer as fast and the captured energy is used for acceleration).
