Auto Blog: Hybrid An Azure Dynamics Balance hybrid shuttle bus based on a Ford E-450 chassis has completed an accelerated durability test that simulates seven years and 200,000 miles of duty. The test program was run at the Altoona, PA durability test facility. The Balance hybrid system is a parallel system that incorporates a drive motor inline with the drive shaft, battery pack and an integrated starter/generator to provide the start/stop capability. The system is paired up with the Ford 5.4L V8 in this cutaway van chassis that can be fitted with a variety of different body styles for different applications. Azure claims fuel efficiency improvements of up to 40 percent and a 30 percent cut in greenhouse gas emissions for its hybrid system. Azure claims the Balance shuttle, along with its series hybrid HD Senator CitiBus, are the only hybrid shuttles to have completed the testing. That makes these vehicles eligible for Federal Transit Authority grants that cover up to 80 percent of the cost when local transit system purchase these vehicles. [Source: Azure Dynamics] Continue reading Azure Dynamics shuttle bus finishes accelerated Altoona test cycle Azure Dynamics shuttle bus finishes accelerated Altoona test cycle originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 02 Feb 2009 09:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds .Car Blog Green|Car Blog Green|Car Blog Green

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Azure Dynamics shuttle bus finishes accelerated Altoona test cycle