 Crown Coaches Pty. Ltd. will be the first bus company in Australia to offer the groundbreaking Electric-Diesel BCI (Bus and Coach International) JXK6930 hybrid vehicle. Crown Coaches Pty. Ltd. has invested in hybrid technology as part of our Greenhouse Challenge Plus efforts. Crown joined the Greenhouse Challenge Plus in 2000, it is an Industry-Government partnership which aims to: - reduce greenhouse gas emissions (including promotion of awareness of greenhouse gas abatement opportunities in industry)
- accelerate the uptake of energy efficiency
- integrate greenhouse issues into business decision-making
- provide more consistent reporting of greenhouse gas emissions levels.
During our prerelease testing, the engine computer reported a diesel fuel economy of 3.73 Km/L. Comparable buses in our fleet for size and utilisation have a fuel economy of 2.75 Km/L (higher is better). Carbon dioxide emissions have been tested for a BCI hybrid bus with exactly the same hybrid system but 2 tonnes heavier to be 1092 g/Km, the tare weight of our vehicle is 10,120 Kg. Crown Coaches Managing Director Victor Haoust said “We expect the school bus to travel approximately 35,000 Km each year. The use of Hybrid technology will save each year around 385,000 "black balloons" (50 grams of CO2 per balloon), when compared to a non-hybrid vehicle travelling the same distance”. In addition to the engine computer, a GPS and telemetry system supplied by Monash Professional Group (MPG) monitors location, speed, engine RPM and other vital information. Two-way radio communication and information from the MPG equipment increase safety by allowing staff in our office to have constant contact with the bus and offers operational awareness not previously possible. A closed circuit camera system records activity within the bus and a DVD and stereo system supply entertainment on board. Reversing cameras provide safety for pedestrians and objects behind the vehicle during reversing. A Transhost tag system identifies the bus at the depot during fuelling, allowing close monitoring of long term fuel consumption. The BCI JXK6930 hybrid can carry up to 41 passengers with normal seating, up to 10 wheelchairs or a combination of both. The term "hybrid" refers to this vehicle using a mix of electric power and diesel generated power to propel the vehicle. Electrically powered by an Eaton parallel hybrid system, the BCI hybrid offers up to 30% less fuel consumption; decreasing emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and diesel fuel exhaust particulates. The system is designed so that the diesel engine is used within its efficient range, powering the vehicle at high speeds while acceleration from a standing start up to 30km/h is powered primarily by electric power. The batteries are recharged by reclaimed power during braking, reducing brake wear and servicing costs. The Cummins 6.7-litre ISBe diesel engine also powers the BCI hybrid bus, utilising selective catalytic reduction (SCR) to significantly reduce emissions. The 225hp ISBe meets Australia's ADR80/02 emissions regulations as well as Euro 4 standards. SCR technology uses a chemical called urea along with a catalytic converter to reduce the emissions of nitrogen oxides, highly toxic gases which are greenhouse pollutants and react with volatile organic compounds and light to create smog. Urea reacts with the nitrous oxides in the exhaust to convert them to harmless nitrogen and water. The inherently fuel efficient engine and full-authority electronic engine management system maintain an optimum balance between load limits, fuel efficiency and emissions control. The Cummins B-series is one of the most successful and reliable diesels developed by the company, with more than 3 millon units in service globally. Crown has endeavored to use as many Australian products and services including: Many new jobs have been created in the businesses above to support and grow hybrid technology. Mr Haoust went on to say, “The developmental work between ourselves and BCI (Bus and Coach International) to get the hybrid vehicle into Australia has been considerable.” "However it is something that we felt needed to be done for future generations – with an outcome that we feel will be better for everyone.” The lower emissions from this Electric-Diesel vehicle are significant. This vehicle and the others like it that we will be introducing over the next years will be a win for the passengers, a win for the community and a win for the environment.” Mr Haoust said. With the effective life of a school bus being around 18-20 years setting the standard now with the latest technology available is very important” Mr Haoust said. Crown Coaches is a family based business employing over 180 Victorians, and operates a combination of coach and school bus services. In total, 64% of the BCI hybrid is Australian content and every dollar profit made by BCI Australiia stays in Australia instead of being repatriated to other countries. Going forward, this percentage will be increased as stainless steel which is produced in Sweden will change to Australian stainless steel (Tubemakers Steel) and a Cummins engine that will be produced in the United States as opposed to been produced in the United Kingdom. Crown Coaches Pty Ltd is creating employment and training for extra mechanical staff, drivers and supervisors. Our BCI hybrid was registered with VicRoads on 20th January 2009, and was officially launched by The Honourable Minister for Education Bronwyn Pike MP at Melbourne Museum on February 4th 2009. Please see our fleet information page for full size picture downloads of the Crown Coaches BCI hybrid. Read the press release from the The Honourable Minister for Education Bronwyn Pike MP here.  |
