GM is delivering the first of the 235 hybrid-diesel buses for the Seattle fleet (earlier post).

The 60-foot mass-transit vehicles, which are more expensive than standard diesel buses, deliver up to 60 percent greater fuel economy and can reduce emissions by as much as 90 percent, GM said.

The $645,000 cost is $200,000 more than a standard bus. These buses use the Allison Hybrid Electric Drive with diesel engines from Caterpillar.

The image at right is from a GM presentation on its Hybrid Bus strategy, and shows the component packaging for the hybrid buses, which come in four basic formats: the 60' articulated coach going to Seattle, a 40' transit bus, and 40' and 45' suburban coaches.