BAE Systems

BAE Systems is a defense, security, and aerospace company based in London, England. Electronic Systems, BAE's electronics division based in the United States, offers a hybrid system for trucks and buses. BAE has supplied propulsion systems to Alexander Dennis, ElDorado National, Gillig, Irisbus, Iveco Bus, New Flyer, Nova Bus, Orion, and Solaris Bus & Coach.

HybriDrive

Initially developed by Lockheed Martin, the BAE Systems HybriDrive, is a series hybrid-electric vehicle system. BAE Systems acquired the product after purchasing parts of Lockheed Martin in 2000. The hybrid system was formally introduced in 1998 on a batch Orion VI buses built for New York City. It remained largely exclusive to Orion buses, but has since become an option for multiple manufacturers.

The HybriDrive system has a generator that is powered by a diesel engine, which is usually smaller than what would be used on a conventional diesel vehicle. The generator powers an electric motor which drives the vehicle. When the bus slows down, the motor recaptures the energy which is stored in batteries for later use. The HybriDrive initially used Sealed Lead Acid batteries, but BAE switched to Lithium-ion batteries in 2007.

The HybriDrive system is capable of powering electric vehicle accessories, via the Accessory Power System (APS). APS1 functions as an electronic alternator to power conventional 28Vdc electric loads, such as cooling fans and pumps. APS2 provides electrification of additional larger accessories such as air compressors, power steering, and air conditioning. APS3 allows for the ability to power two accessories or two groups of accessories independently from each other.

HybriDrive Series-E

Launched in 2012, Series-E allows the bus to operate strictly on electricity for a limited period of time. The system can shut off the engine when idling or picking up passengers, and it can shut off the engine and run the vehicle on electricity in environmentally restrictive or sensitive areas. APS2 functions as an electronic alternator to power all of the bus's accessories.

HybriDrive Series-ER

Series-ER (extended range), allows for extended electric-powered travel time and distance without charging and the associated equipment. The engine can be shut off for extended periods of time. The battery is larger than that used on the Series-E. APS2 is available to power large accessories, and APS 3 is available to power multiple accessories at various times. King County Metro is one of the first operators to specify the Series-ER system. They require buses to operate through the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel. Because of the confined space, emissions need to be kept at a minimum.

Series-EV

Series-EV is the fully-electric drive system, eliminating the internal combustion engine. The addition of larger batteries, which store more energy, provide a desirable range. The system can be fully recharged by plugging it in at the depot overnight as well as charging wirelessly enroute.

On November 5, 2016, the Central Contra Costa Transit Authority unveiled the first fully-electric buses powered by BAE Systems. The four 29-foot Gillig Trolley Replica buses were funded in part by a grant from the Federal Transit Administration.

Series H

Series-H is the hydrogen fuel cell electric hybrid system. Electricity is produced by the hydrogen fuel cell, which along with high voltage batteries, provides propulsion to the wheels and power to accessories. Like the standard HybriDrive with an internal combustion engine, regenerative braking captures kinetic energy and stores it in the batteries. The vehicle has the limited capability to travel solely on electricity. The first bus was produced for SunLine Transit Agency in 2011 in partnership with Ballard and ElDorado National.