IC Corp. Unveils Hybrid School Bus

IC Corp., North America’s largest school bus manufacturer, unveiled the U.S.’s first hybrid school bus (shown on page 1) at the New York Association of Pupil Transportation Show. The company has partnered with Enova Systems Inc. of Torrance, California, to develop the bus that can attain a 40% increase in fuel economy.

Featuring Enova’s post-transmission 80kW hybrid drive system, the bus was extensively tested and evaluated at IC Corp.’s Fort Wayne, Indiana, research and technology facility. The initial powertrain will couple an International® VT365 V8 diesel engine with a 80kW hybrid-electric powertrain, incorporating a transmission, batteries and an electric motor.

The system is based on a parallel architecture that provides high-efficiency with diesel and electric power. During the bus’s frequent starts and stops, the system recovers kinetic energy through regenerative breaking and provides additional power for acceleration.

The first hybrid school bus will be delivered by Leonard Bus Sales in Deposit, New York, to Shenendehowa Central School. The deal is pending final approval of a grant to help fund the purchase. Other school districts can find out more about ordering hybrid school buses by visiting www.IC-Corp.com.