SOLARIS HYBRID BUS FOR STRASBOURG
Published at 01.11.2008 in Alternatives, Public transport
From the beginning of 2009, a Solaris hybrid will operate in the French city of Strasbourg. The Council of Europe, European Parliament and European Court of Human Rights are all based in the historic city. Here, visions transcend borders and joint issues are addressed, including the challenge entailed by climate change. Now, the operation of a Solaris Urbino 18 Hybrid will demonstrate Strasbourg’s commitment to the environment and quality of life.
The Solaris hybrid bus for Compagnie des Transports Strasbourgeois (CTS) will enter service in early 2009. It will be the first of its kind in France, the fourth European country to use Solaris hybrid buses. With a significantly reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions – 13 % less NOX, 25 % less CO2 and even 78 % less particulate matter – compared to conventional diesel buses, it has much advantages for the environment.Comparative tests with a conventionally-powered Solaris Urbino 18 were conducted according to the UITP-defined SORT measuring cycles by the TÜV SÜD Group and Dresden Fraunhofer Institute. The Solaris hybrid bus’s fuel consumption was lower by 23.7 % in the SORT1 cycle, 23.4 % in the SORT2 cycle and 22.9 % in the SORT3 cycle.The Solaris Urbino 18 Hybrid combines a 178 kW (242 PS) Cummins diesel engine with the EP50 hybrid system developed and supplied by Allison Transmission. Two 75 kW electric engines reduce the load of the diesel engine, enabling it to run at optimum speed at all times. During braking, energy is recuperated. This is stored in roof-mounted nickel-metal hydride batteries and is available for subsequent acceleration.With a workforce of 1,500 employees, Compagnie des Transports Strasbourgeois (CTS) operates the tram and bus network of the Strasbourg agglomeration, home to 650,000 people. 90 trams and 340 buses carry 90m passengers per year and offer state-of-the-art public transport for the “Capital of Europe”.