New Urbino 12 LE Lite Hybrid Bus To Be Introduced By Solaris
The new 85-passenger Solaris Urbino 12 LE lite hybrid will be introduced by Solaris October 23-25, 2018 at the 14th International Fair of Public Transport TRANSEXPO in Kielce, Poland. Updated versions of the Solaris Urbino 12 electric and the Solaris Urbino 12 hybrid will be shown too.
The new Solaris Urbino 12 LE lite hybrid reportedly has fuel efficiency of 7.83 MPG. One factor in achieving this figure was reducing the bus’s weight. Its 4.5-liter Cummins ISBE6 diesel engine is supported by a 11.5 kW electrical machine which also results in less fuel use. It also helps recoup some energy when the brakes are used. For sake of comparison, a study of fuel efficiency in transit buses found that the average MPG was about 5.
“The new Solaris Urbino 12 LE lite hybrid is specifically for bus operators who see high value in low fuel emission with preservation of as much comfort as possible for passengers and drivers. Our clients receive the quality and durability guarantee to which the Solaris brand obliges,” said Zbigniew Palenica, Solaris Vice President Sales, Marketing, After Sales, and the Department of Rail Vehicles.
Increased fuel efficiency is not the only benefit achieved by hybrid diesel engines — decreased emissions is another. “In response to air quality and health concerns as well as rising fuel costs, a growing number of transit agencies are turning to hybrid-electric buses, which consume less energy and produce significantly fewer emissions by combining an internal combustion engine with an electric motor,”
A research study described some specific emissions reductions, “Results from the NYBC showed a decrease of 56% for CO, 44% for NOx, 77% for PM, and 40% for CO2.”
The same CO2 percentage reduction was referenced for hybrid buses in London.
Image Credit: Solaris
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