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 of 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 was initially used in 30 to 40 foot North American buses. In 2011, BAE launched a HybriDrive system for 60 foot North American buses, which was able to be used on vehicles with gross vehicle weight ratings of up to 63,000 lbs. A HybriDrive system for lightweight European buses was launched the following year.

The HybriDrive system features 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 then stored in batteries for later use. The HybriDrive system initially used Sealed Lead Acid batteries, but BAE Systems 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.

Specifications

			HDS 100			HDS 200			HDS 300
Vehicle GVWR
			11 to 16 ton			16 to 22 ton			22 to 26 ton
Traction motor
Description			Liquid-cooled AC induction electric traction motor w/ fixed ratio planetary reduction gear
Power			190 kW (255 hp) peak 500 – 2485 rpm 175 kW (235 hp) int. 455 – 2485 rpm 120 kW (161 hp) cont. 630 – 2485 rpm			200 kW (265 hp) peak 500 - 2000 rpm 180 kW (241 hp) int. 455 - 2400 rpm 160 kW (215 hp) cont. 630 - 2485 rpm			230 kW (308 hp) peak 410 – 2110 rpm 200 kW (268 hp) int. 360 – 2640 rpm 180 kW (241 hp) cont. 590 – 2640 rpm
Torque			3300 Nm (2435 ft-lbs) peak 0 – 200 rpm 2415 Nm (1780 ft-lbs) int. 0 – 455 rpm 1610 Nm (1190 ft-lbs) cont. 0 – 630 rpm			Torque: 5100 Nm (3760 ft-lbs) peak 0 - 200 rpm 3800 Nm (2790 ft-lbs) int. 0 - 455 rpm 2400 Nm (1780 ft-lbs) cont. 0 – 630 rpm			Torque: 6500 Nm (4790 ft-lbs) peak 0 – 145 rpm 5330 Nm (3930 ft-lbs) int. 0 – 360 rpm 2915 Nm cont. (2150 ft-lbs) 0 – 590 rpm
Weight			654 lbs (297 kg)			804 lbs (352 kg)			855 lbs (388 kg)
Traction generator
Power			145 kW (194 hp) cont. @ 2100 rpm			200 kW (268 hp) cont. @ 2300 rpm			230 kW (308 hp) cont. @ 2000 rpm
Weight			237 lbs (107 kg) /+26 lbs (12 kg) for CWK			251 lbs (114 kg)+26 lbs (+12 kg) for for CWK			300 lbs (136 kg) /+26 lbs (12 kg) for CWK

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 APS3 is available to power multiple accessories at various times. King County Metro is one of the first operators to specify the Series-ER. 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.

HybriDrive Parallel

In February 2011, BAE Systems launched a parallel hybrid system for heavy-duty trucks. This system is designed for vehicles with duty cycles that require higher operating speeds and less frequent stops. BAE Systems's integrated starter generator (ISG), which consists of both a motor and generator, is placed between the engine and transmission. The integrated electronic unit (IEU) controls the optimized blending of engine power and electric power. Energy during deceleration is captured and stored.