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Pilots, by definition, lead. MCI's pilot hybrid diesel-electric coach recently finished a first article performance validation testing with Houston Metro, paving the way for a total of 102 MCI hybrids destined for the transit agency, the first of which will arrive next month. MCI thinks that this pilot will ultimately lead the entire coach industry to newer, greener pastures as well. As many eager operators already know, the MCI hybrid is based on the D4500 model and uses an Allison EP50 propulsion system and tje Cummins ISL engine. It is the industry's only intercity hybrid coach so far. And so far, it's been a success. "Houston Metro ran it five days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the same route with the same two drivers for duration of its stay," says Dan Besserer, fleet support director for MCI's Public Sector division. "We ran it from park-and-ride lots to downtown, with heavy loads morning and afternoon. The fuel economy was probably 25 to 30 percent higher than that of comparable diesel coaches." Lower emissions than even clean diesel Besserer points out that in addition to fuel savings, the MCI hybrid has been shown to emit 50 percent fewer NOX emissions than even today's clean-diesel coaches, which could be a real boon to metropolitan agencies. Besserer also points out how smoothly the MCI hybrid shifts, accelerates and decelerates. "There are no perceptible shift points," says Besserer. "The Houston Metro people were blogging that the one bad thing about the smoothness of the ride is that the drivers have to wake more people at the end of their rides. In my 30 years of experience, it's the quietest, smoothest-riding vehicle I've been in." Small learning curve Besserer notes that there are things new hybrid owners will have to learn, including some precautions for working around higher voltage systems. Maintenance personnel will need a few special tools, including 1000 VDC-class zero isolation gloves and a digital Volt/Ohm Meter. Technicians will have to learn to lock out the voltage system correctly before doing any work. Allison and MCI are also providing training. Drivers shouldn't be affected at all (other than perhaps having to wake up the occasional passenger lulled to sleep by the smooth ride), and during the test period, there was less maintenance compared toconventional diesel coaches under similar conditions, a factor which could ultimately contribute to lower operating costs. Other advantages The MCI hybrid has advantages beyond the potential for better fuel economy, lower emissions, attractive operating costs and great PR. In contrast to CNG (compressed natural gas) buses, hybrids don't require large investments in infrastructure or tanks. A hit at APTA A couple of weeks ago, MCI took the Houston Metro pilot to the APTA show. Customers were impressed both with the hybrid technology and the icy A/C breeze of Shore power, an optional high-tech feature that allows operators to cool coaches without idling them. "This is the way of the future," says Besserer. "Customers are excited. A lot of them are telling us they want to be onboard." The FYI from MCI editorial staff values your feedback. Please e-mail any suggestions, comments, or ideas for future articles to fyi@mcicoach.com. |
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