AC Transit | AC Transit for the Environment

:: Environment > Exploring Alternatives

Hybrid Drives

In partnership with Van Hool, AC Transit has been developing a gasoline hybrid-electric 30' neighborhood bus. This hybrid design is similar to the system used in AC Transit's fuel cell buses.

Thanks in part to a $1 million grant from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, a prototype gasoline hybrid bus will be delivered this year. This prototype will be evaluated for performance as well as for quiet operation. Upon the completion of the evaluation, a determination will be made either to build nine additional gasoline hybrids or to explore diesel hybrid technology as another alternative.

This hybrid design will use nickel metal hydride batteries, manufactured by Cobasys, to capture energy from braking for use in acceleration and propelling vehicles up hills. Hybrid technology is expected to reduce both air and noise pollution as well as improve fuel consumption.

Biodiesel

Biodiesel is a cleaner-burning alternative to traditional diesel that can be produced from a variety of plant materials. In addition to potentially reducing overall carbon emissions, biodiesel offers the opportunity to reduce dependence on foreign oil.

AC Transit is test-driving B20, a blend of 20% biodiesel and 80% petroleum diesel in a portion of its fleet. The advantage of B20 over using 100% biodiesel (B100) is that B20 can be used with our existing diesel engines, with minimal modifications to fuel systems or refueling infrastructure.

Learn more about the Cleaner Fuels Test Program.

GTL (Gas-to-Liquids)

GTL is a liquid fuel derived from natural gas, rather than from crude oil. Natural gas is cleaner and more abundant than petroleum, but harder to transport, simply because it's a gas. Converting the gas to liquid solves that problem. As opposed to using compressed natural gas (CNG) as a fuel, GTL requires few, if any, modifications to existing diesel engines.

As with biodiesel, AC Transit is conducting a six-month trial to evaluate performance, efficiency and environmental issues. By testing biodiesel and GTL in the real world, AC Transit will gain invaluable operational experience. Proving efficacy and reliability are critical first steps in encouraging further development of alternative fuels.

Learn more about the Cleaner Fuels Test Program.

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