Azure Dynamics Sells Four Series-Hybrid Citibuses to UPROSE

4 October 2005

Azure Dynamics’s Citibus

Azure Dynamics Corporation has sold four of its recently introduced 20-passenger hybrid electric shuttle buses to UPROSE (the United Puerto Rican Organization of Sunset Park). A grant from the New York Power Authority (NYPA) supported the purchase.

Azure launched its Citibus hybrid shuttle program in July 2005 with the sale of five hybrid-electric, 20-passenger shuttle buses is to the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation (BOEDC). (Earlier post.)

The hybrid shuttle buses will use the same chassis and G1 series hybrid electric drive system currently used in delivery vans supplied to other Azure customers such as Purolator Courier Ltd.

The Citibus application uses a 4.8-liter GM Vortec gasoline engine combined with a 110-kW AC motor with regenerative braking. Cobasys 336-volt NiMH battery packs provide the energy storage.

The Citibus promises an improvement in fuel economy of up to 40% and reductions in emissions by up to 90% compared to a conventional shuttle bus, depending upon use and driving patters. Peak speed is 65 mph, range is 360 miles and the all-electric range is 1.5 miles.

The purchase of the Citibuses was made with funding and support from NYPA. UPROSE will distribute the buses to the Al Noor School, the Chinese-American Planning Council, and the Sunset Park Senior Center.

NYPA is the largest state-owned electric utility in the United States and operates a diversified electric transportation program responsible for placing 750 electric and hybrid electric drive vehicles in service with its public sector and economic development customers.