The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) will soon add six hybrid buses to its fleet thanks to funding from the TIGGER Program. With a price tag of $602,000 each, the new diesel-electric buses are powered by an internal combustion clean diesel engine paired with a generator, electric motor, and electric storage system.

Manufactured by Gillig, the hybrid buses feature smaller diesel engines that meet new near-zero emissions requirements, lower operating and life-cycle costs, and improved on-road performance and air quality. In addition to being 20% more fuel efficient than standard clean diesel buses, the hybrid buses include energy-efficient LED lighting, replacing fluorescent lights inside and out.

These state-of-the-art buses produce 95% less particulate matter and 30% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than the conventional diesel buses they will replace. In addition to improving air quality and saving energy and money, the hybrid drive system is adaptable to new technology developments that could lead to further emission reductions and fuel savings in the future.