BAE Systems’ Series-ER system builds on the company’s more than 20 years of innovation and proven technology – and it powers more than 13,000 buses around the world. That technology is on buses in service throughout Europe, including cities such as Brighton, London, Namur and Paris. The Irish buses are the first in the world to benefit from the company’s new plug-in technology.
The company has delivered the first plug-in capable electric hybrid propulsion systems to Alexander Dennis Limited, which is supplying new buses to Ireland. The Series-ER (Electric Range) systems will power Ireland’s fleet of up to 600 Enviro400ER hybrid buses. BAE Systems has supplied systems for the first 100 buses and will supply an additional 180 systems for buses next year.
The bus propulsion system includes a highly efficient electric motor and generator, an enhanced battery, and smart electronic controls to create a clean form of electric drive propulsion for the buses This means that as well as using the efficient onboard generator to charge itself while the bus is on the move, the buses can now also plug into the grid for power, giving operators another way to recharge their buses.
The Series-ER system enables buses to run for up to five kilometers (three miles) at a time with the engine turned off. This capability provides towns and cities with a new opportunity to improve air quality. The buses will use up to 35 per cent less fuel when compared to a conventional bus.
