CARB Certifies Opus Diesel Hybrid Bus

December 28, 2005

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) certified the Opus ISE series diesel hybrid low-floor bus for meeting California emissions standards and regulations for the entire state except Southern California. Regulations restrict diesel-operated transit buses in that part of the state.

The ISE ThunderVolt diesel hybrid system was certified at 1.8g/hp-hr NOx, 0.01g PM and 15.5g CO, making it the lowest emission diesel drive system of any type for 30-, 40- and 60-foot buses. The system combines the Siemens ELFA electric drive system with the Cummins Heavy Duty ISB 260H engine, integrated and controlled by the ISE ThunderCan hybrid control system. The Opus Hybrid is projected to reduce fuel consumption and associated emissions between 20% and 40%, depending upon the route and driving patterns.

"Optima Bus Corporation has made a commitment to provide the transit industry with low-emissions, environmentally friendly, durable under-30' and -35' buses," said Michael Monteferrante, CEO of Optima Bus Corporation. "California has more stringent emissions standards than anywhere in the country, so receiving this certification reinforces our commitment to hybrid technology."

Source: Optima Bus Corp.